Faust with a twist

The classic German tragedy Faust depicts the story of the titular protagonist, an accomplished man of learning, who is lured by the devil Mephistopheles to give up his soul in exchange for the fulfilment of his earthly desires.

Top Mandarin theatre company Nine Years Theatre has now switched Faust's gender to that of a woman, to tell the tale of a high-achieving academic (Mia Chee) who is frustrated with her life, and agrees to spend the rest of it with Mephistopheles if he grants all her wishes.

This production titled Faust/us is also notable for the introduction of associate director Cherilyn Woo, who helms the show in place of the company's popular artistic director Nelson Chia.