Hailed by Chinese audiences as one of the best stage play scripts for its gripping and unsettling narrative, the Chinese version of London West End play “The Pillow Man” will bring the mystery story to Shenzhen in early April.

Since its premiere in London in 2003, this dark, thought-provoking play, written by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, has become a sensation in the theatrical circles in both London and New York City.

A poster of the Chinese version of London West End play “The Pillow Man.”  File photo

The play follows the story of Katurian, a writer of disturbing children’s stories. After he is arrested by the police, Katurian is interrogated about the content of his stories, which bear unsettling similarities to a series of child murders in his neighborhood. Katurian’s interactions with detectives Tuposki and Ariel reveal the complexities of his character and the motives behind his writing. The play delves into the boundaries of creativity and the consequences of one’s art.

“The Pillow Man” has received critical acclaim for its sharp dialogue, dark humor, and exploration of difficult topics. The play has been staged in various productions, including notable runs in the West End and on Broadway, and has garnered several awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Play in the U.K. The Olivier Awards in the U.K. are the highest honor for stage artists, equivalent to the Tony Awards on Broadway in the U.S.

“I walk between comedy and cruelty because one illuminates the other,” said McDonagh, who is widely regarded as one of the best scriptwriters. His film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” received seven Oscar nominations in 2018 including the Best Original Screenplay. He notably had four works concurrently performed in the London West End during the same season in 1997, a feat said to have been achieved only by William Shakespeare.

Versatile actor Zhang Benyu will portray Detective Tuposki in the Chinese version of “The Pillow Man.” A multifaceted artist spanning film, theater, screenwriting and voice acting, Zhang is capable of mastering a wide range of genres, from absurd comedy to serious historical drams and art films, portraying a vast array of characters such as assassins, literary giants (like Ouyang Xiu) and sci-fi nerds.

Actor Zhang Jiahuai will play Katurian, with Zhang Yijie portraying Tupolski’s partner Ariel, and Wang Chenhao as Michal in the Chinese version of “The Pillow Man.”

Time: 8 p.m. April 3; 3 p.m. April 4

Venue: 2/F, Unit D, CR Land Building, Shenzhen MixC World, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 1 to Hi-Tech Park Station, Exit A