Let's just try and be funny?

A new production loosely based on the plays of Aristophanes, also known as "The Father of Comedy.", Comedians in Search of a Comedy emphasises the pure nature of comedy especially in all its childish naivety, and how we retain this sense of comedy through our adult life. The comedy lies in the gap between expectation and reality. Comedians in Search of a Comedy explores honour and dishonour, truthfulness through farce, human contact and loneliness – all through vibrant, physical staging with a cast of Chinese and Irish performers. 

Aristophanes was conservative, but “unafraid to push the limits of what was commonly seen on the stage.” At the time of its creation, Lysistrata was the first Ancient Greek play to have a woman as its titular character – or, even to have a woman at the forefront of its plot. It was a shocking and ground-breaking view of women for Classical audiences.

Comedians in Search of a Comedy represents an ephemeral monument to universal humour and illustrates the flexible, changing nature of culture with all its symbols and interpretations, particularly when they are positioned within larger societal contexts and international exchange. An energetic comic rant that takes the shape and stories from ancient Greek comic plays, but delivered against the contemporary backdrop of modern day China. Comedians in Search of a Comedy asks is there such a thing as universal humour? What does it mean to be human?

Tickets for performances at Tingtao Hall, Xichang, now on sale from the Tingtao Hall box office for performances on the 17th and 18th of September 2026.