The Great Leap

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Great Leap

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  1w, 3m

Lauren Yee

When an American college basketball team travels to Beijing for a “friendship” game in the post-Cultural Revolution 1980s, both countries try to tease out the politics behind this newly popular sport.

Image: 2018 Atlantic Theater Company Production (Ahron R. Foster)

The Great Leap

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 2017 Kesselring Prize
    Finalist! 2017 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize

Details

Summary
When an American college basketball team travels to Beijing for a “friendship” game in the post-Cultural Revolution 1980s, both countries try to tease out the politics behind this newly popular sport. Cultures clash as the Chinese coach tries to pick up moves from the Americans, and Chinese-American player Manford spies on his opponents. Inspired by events in her own father’s life, Yee “applies a devilishly keen satiric eye to…her generation (and its parents).”
History
The Great Leap premiered off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company's Stage 2 on 23 May 2018. Directed by Taibi Magar, the production featured Ali Ahn, Ned Eisenberg, Tony Aidan Vo and BD Wong.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
  • Time Period 1980s
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“An exhilarating, deeply satisfying piece of work... full of bright, inquisitive, humorous life.” – New York Magazine

“Gripping... The Great Leap artfully and movingly explores the connections between Manford, Saul and Wen Chang. Along the way, it examines culture clash; alludes to modern Chinese history; and ponders the costs of caution and courage, patience and impatience.” – Washington Post

“Affecting... combines thoughtful research and an imaginative empathy for the Chinese generation that grew up in the stunting shadow of Mao Zedong.” – The New York Times

“A beautiful play with vibrant characters and rich history crackling with fresh dialogue.” – BroadwayWorld

“The Great Leap is of, course, about more than sports... this is a ‘Leap’ worth taking.” – Boston Globe

Powerhouse Inside Look: The Great Leap

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Videos

  • The Great Leap at Atlantic Theatre Company youtube thumbnail

    The Great Leap at Atlantic Theatre Company

Photos

  • The Great Leap

    Image: 2018 Atlantic Theater Company Production (Ahron R. Foster)

  • The Great Leap

    Image: 2018 Atlantic Theater Company Production (Ahron R. Foster)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Lauren Yee

Lauren Yee
Lauren Yee was the second most produced playwright in America for the 2019/20 theatrical season (as per American Theatre Magazine). Her plays include Cambodian Rock Band (South Coast Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla Playhouse, City Theatre, Merrimack Rep) and The Gr ...
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