As the UK independent theatre scene increasingly attracts producers trained across multiple theatrical traditions, Qiaoran Li has emerged as one of a growing cohort of bilingual theatre makers whose work bridges Chinese and British performance practices. Li, currently completing a Master’s degree in Applied Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, is preparing to premiere her new production, The Death of Hundun, in London and Edinburgh in August 2026.

The premiere follows eight months of sustained production work in the UK, arriving alongside continued audience interest in cross-cultural theatre outside the West End.

A Producer Trained Across Two Theatre Traditions

Li’s UK production journey is grounded in more than ten years of theatrical training and stage experience in China. She graduated from the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts with a degree in Musical Theatre Performance and began her career with the Shanghai Anke Musical Troupe, starring in Fatal Coffee.

During this period, Li also worked under Professor Li Dun, widely recognised as a pioneer of original Chinese-language musical theatre, known for productions including Die, Mama, Love Me Once Again, and Madame White Snake. Li both performed in and contributed to the production of Die, Mama, Love Me Once Again, an experience she credits with shaping her later interest in long-form narrative theatre.

In 2021, she transitioned into production work, joining Shanghai Theatre Academy Cultural Development Co., Ltd. as a production assistant on the historical costume drama Anle Zhuan. Her responsibilities included budgeting, interdepartmental coordination, casting support, and rehearsal scheduling — duties often extending beyond the typical scope of an assistant producer role. Anle Zhuan premiered in the summer of 2023 and has since accumulated more than 22 million online views.

UK Theatre Credits and Critical Reception

Li’s first major UK production was the 2025 short comedy The Mask Policy, for which she served as Executive Producer. Written by Tianjiao Tan and directed by Yi Tang, the production was staged at the Hen & Chickens Theatre and used physical comedy to explore themes of workplace identity and conformity.

Everything Theatre awarded the production three stars, describing it as “witty and engaging” and praising its “strong physical performances”.

In March 2026, Li worked as Production Assistant on While We Wait at Arches Lane Theatre. Directed by Scott Le Crass and written by Craig Doe Wilmann, the romantic comedy received three stars from Everything Theatre for its “unique narrative concept,” and five stars from Curtain Call Reviews, which highlighted the production’s “deep emotional resonance” and ensemble work.

The contrast in critical responses reflects a common characteristic of fringe theatre, where conceptually ambitious productions often divide reviewers.

Qiaoran Li on the Creative Vision of The Death of Hundun

“The Death of Hundun combines ancient Chinese philosophy with modern physical theatre, following a woman’s psychological journey between emotional collapse and rational restraint to explore the tension between chaos and order in human civilisation. The production is not only a stage performance, but also a contemporary interpretation of traditional culture, showcasing the possibilities of cross-cultural storytelling and performance.”

Community Workshops

Beyond commercial productions, Li has organised more than ten theatre events and workshops for students and community participants in China, including programmes at Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. These workshops focused on narrative performance, improvisation, and ensemble-based theatre practices.

In 2026, she expanded this work to the UK, leading inclusive arts workshops for participants with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome. Using movement-based performance and collaborative enactment, the sessions aim to support creative expression and social engagement. According to participant feedback collected by Li, many attendees reported increased confidence in group settings.

Her inclusive arts practice aligns with a broader UK movement toward participatory theatre programming, which is increasingly viewed by arts organisations as a central component of community engagement rather than peripheral outreach.

August 2026 Premiere

The Death of Hundun is scheduled to premiere in London and Edinburgh in August 2026, marking Li’s most ambitious UK production to date. Drawing on Chinese mythological source material, the project continues her exploration of cross-cultural and bilingual theatre.