THE BIGNESS OF US

A new musical in development set in Shanghai in the 1920s which explores the political tension and music of the era.

NRTF 2022

About

Set in a hybrid world of 1920s Shanghai and modern-day San Francisco, this new musical follows Xiao, a rural pianist who joins a jazz combo and activist co-op amid growing political unrest. As tensions lead to the 1927 Shanghai Massacre, the story explores art, revolution, and why people commit to movements — or don’t. Drawing on the historical jazz genre shídàiqǔ and inspired by contemporary activist communities, The Bigness of Us examines collective care, burnout, and the cyclical nature of resistance.

This show was developed with SFBATCO’s Creators Lab in 2022, The New Roots Theatre Festival in 2023, Berkeley Rep Ground Floor in 2025, Drama Club Camp in 2026.