A showcase of storytelling

In contrast to the somber themes of the play, the production of Peanuts Adventure offers a whimsical journey of self-exploration. Written and directed by Wang Ting, this play invites the audience into a dreamlike world where food takes center stage. Through physical movement and imaginative acting, Wang Ting creates a vibrant, surreal metropolis made of delicious dishes, where a humble peanut embarks on an unexpected adventure.

"When I wrote the story, I was an actress in my 20s struggling with uncertainty about my future," recalls Wang Ting, 42, who works with the Sichuan People's Art Theatre. "Many of my friends and colleagues shared similar feelings. I wanted to capture that confusion and sense of self-discovery in my writing."

Five years later, Wang Ting reimagined the story, transforming it into Peanuts Adventure, a whimsical fairytale for children and adults. The production follows the peanut's quest to escape its destined fate of being eaten. Along the way, it journeys through a restaurant kitchen, a bowl of leftovers and a garbage can, encountering a colorful array of food characters and discovering its own sense of purpose.

The play, adapted into a 50-minute production from its original 90-minute version, will be staged during the festival from July 30 to Aug 3. It features just four actors, each taking on multiple roles to demonstrate the power of simplicity in storytelling while allowing the production to flow smoothly between dreamlike sequences and humorous moments. The use of physical movement adds an engaging visual layer to the performance, making it accessible to all ages.