The World of Extreme Happiness by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig

THE WORLD OF EXTREME HAPPINESS by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, directed by Michael Longhurst, opens on 30 September at the The Shed, National Theatre, London. A powerful new play journeying through the transformation in contemporary China.

Vera Chok rehearsing The World of Extreme Happiness_credit Richard H Smith

Sunny leaves behind her family and her home in rural China for the promise of a job in a factory and a new life. The bright neon lights of Shenzhen soon fade, and Sunny is left mopping factory floors, she wants more, much more. But her hunger for self improvement leaves her trapped in the machine of progression; as she is forced to face the human cost of wealth, power, fame and honour.

Chris Lew Kum Hoi - The World of Extreme Happiness_credit Richard H Smith — Chris Lew Kum Hoi – The World of Extreme Happiness_credit Richard H Smith

Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig’s work includes 410 [Gone] and Lidless which received the Yale Drama Series Award, a 2010 Edinburgh Fringe First Award and was performed at Trafalgar Studios 2 in 2011.

Daniel York rehearsing The World of Extreme Happiness_credit Richard H Smith

Michael Longhurst’s recent work includes Nick Payne’s Constellations, which transferred from the Royal Court to the West End; The History Boys at the Sheffield Crucible; and Adam Brace’s Stovepipe, a promenade production for HighTide Festival, later produced in London in collaboration with the National Theatre.

The cast – Vera Chok, Junix Inocian, Sarah Lam, Katie Leung, Chris Lew Kum Hoi and Daniel York. Movement is by Anna Morrissey, design is by Chloe Lamford, lighting design by Philip Gladwell with music and sound by Max and Ben Ringham.