TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In anticipation of the Taiwan premiere of movie “Life of Pi’s” stage adaptation, the National Theater and Concert Hall hosted a special screening of Ang Lee’s (李安) Oscar-winning film on Thursday.

The English-language production, with Chinese subtitles, will run for 13 performances at the National Theater Hall in Taipei from July 17 to 27. It will then move to the National Taichung Theater for five additional shows from July 31 to Aug. 3.

Directed by Max Webster and adapted by playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, the stage version remains faithful to the spirit of Yann Martel’s original novel and Lee’s cinematic adaptation. It recounts the harrowing yet poetic story of Piscine Molitor Patel, or Pi, who survives 227 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean with only a Bengal tiger for company.

Film critic Wen Tien-hsiang (聞天祥) praised both the novel and its adaptations, noting the original work’s complexity and lauding Lee’s film for its imaginative visual storytelling.

First staged at the Crucible Theatre in the UK in 2019, the adaptation gained widespread acclaim following its 2021 West End run at Wyndham’s Theatre, where it won five Olivier Awards. Its 2023 Broadway transfer continued the momentum, earning three Tony Awards.

As part of the promotional campaign, ticket holders will also be able to embark on a real-world adventure in Taipei. During a limited-time offer, they will receive free admission and special perks at select attractions, including the Taipei Zoo, Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, and the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology.