Journey to the West – 2013

Adapted by Mary Zimmerman

Directed by Diane Fetterly

Journey to the West is a wonderful adventure story about a quest for something very important. It is very funny and ultimately very moving. Tripitaka, the Monk journeys from China to India in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures. He travels with three companions–the mischievous, boastful Monkey King; Bajie, the Pig, a babyish incarnation of appetite & lust; and Wujing, the River Spirit, who brings courage & strength to the Monk’s aid. The 16th century novel on which the play is based is a classic in China, and the characters have become favorites of the Chinese. They appear in comic books, TV cartoons, and ads for Chinese beer. The author, Mary Zimmerman, says of this show, “The play is full of beauty. It is very funny, and its lessons are important to many people in the world.”