Issues raised by theater group see audience get in on the act

Themes of these events cover issues, including depression and anxiety, teenage behavior, addiction, bullying, test anxiety, interpersonal relations and gender issues, aiming to present Galli Theater's work in applying theater to everyday life, hence improving mental health and interpersonal relationships.

"Galli Theater's prevention plays comprise two parts, the demonstration and the performance. First, we as performers act out the play for the audience members, and then they are encouraged to perform by themselves on the stage," says Gao Xuan, founder of Galli Theater China.

"Usually these productions center on social issues the audience members are concerned about, such as violence, addiction or gender issues. We present these issues onstage, but in a comedic way, so that the audience can relate to the problems in a relaxing atmosphere. The plays will also discuss the causes and possible solutions for these problems."

Gao first encountered Galli Theater back in 2000, when she was a student at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany. In search of a part-time job, she saw a tear-off flyer for the Galli Theater at the university canteen and applied for a position there.

"The Galli Method exerted a tremendous influence on my life. I became more adept at handling my own life and relationships," Gao says.

"I was studying education and psychology, both of which involve interacting with people. I often felt that I could not apply the theories I learned at university, but the Galli Method proved more practical and applicable for me."

After acquiring her doctoral degree, she returned to China and sought to set up a branch of Galli Theater here, which she did in 2013.

In the past decade or so, Galli Theater China has established four theaters, in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhengzhou in Henan province and Qingdao in Shandong province, while providing theater education and drama therapy at schools, companies and hospitals.