Edward Scissorhands

By Kristen Fu and Colin Jun 
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Last week, on March 15th (Thursday) and March 16th (Friday), our wonderful SAS Pudong actors and directors performed the play Edward Scissorhands. This play is the SAS adaption of the dark fantasy movie Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton. Similar to original movie, the SAS play emphasizes the character development of main character, Edward, who uniquely has scissor blades on his hands. Through Edward’s interaction with Boggs family and their neighbors, the SAS play conveys a clear message to our society: we have to acknowledge individual’s unique differences. Difference cannot be the reason for discrimination.

The SAS play adaptation generally followed the plot of the original movie by Tim Burton. However, the SAS play was not only about storytelling - it was also the assemblies which demonstrated the creativity of SASPD students. Different from the movie, the SAS play conveyed important messages and revealed the plot through the brilliant use of colors, unique stage properties and sound.

Although confined to the limited space of the Black Box Theater, the play cleverly utilized the compact and intimate setting to elevate the audience’s viewing experience . The audience were seated all around the center of the room, which acted as the main stage, as well as in the balcony of the theater. Similarly, the actors would often indirectly interact with the audience, allowing for a more engaging experience. A projector screen was often utilized in the play, often adding to the drama of certain scenes as well as the overall uniqueness of this particular adaptation.

The play also stresses the use of colors and props to create a cohesive and compelling production. By keeping the protagonist, Edward Scissorhands, in all-black and the rest of the suburban families in pastel colors, the difference between him and the rest of the town is emphasized. Similarly, by changing the color of the main lights, the drama of the scene increases as the audience reacts to the changes on stage. The use of props throughout the play, including the scissors on Edward’s hands and the well-crafted hedges that he cuts, elevates the visual nature of the play.

​Overall, the SAS Pudong’s adaptation of the classic movie, Edward Scissorhands, was a viewing experience that was very different from most school productions. By cleverly using a more intimate environment through the artful use of sound, colors, and props, the adaptation stayed true to the original movie while offering their own unique twist.