The Great Leap
by Lauren Yee
Highlights
Synopsis
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).”
Press Reviews
"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
Videos
The Great Leap at Atlantic Theatre Company
Publication
The Great Leap is a comedy play written by Lauren Yee and published by Samuel French (2019).
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Buy Play
Paperback
Samuel French · 2019 · 90 pp
Performance Rights
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