Elyse Ribbons, Part 1 | Theater and Cinema in China

Topics Discussed and Key Points:

●      What it takes to become truly fluent in another language

●      All about Cheeky Monkey Theater and Star Theatre

●      Chinese versus Western cinema

●      The speed of Chinese business as both a blessing and a curse

Episode Summary:

Today on The Negotiation, we talk with Elyse Ribbons, a startup founder, radio show host, actor, and writer in China, who is also incredibly fluent in Mandarin. She is the Founder of Cheeky Monkey Theater and host of the nationally syndicated news-talk show Laowai Kandian. She kicks off the conversation by talking about what drew her to China all the way back in 2001 and how she was able to achieve an impressive level of fluency in Mandarin. Aside from her work in theatre, Elyse has also been cast in a number of Chinese films. All of this gives her a unique perspective on the local entertainment industry that most foreigners never get a chance to see.

She speaks on her various opportunities to work in the Chinese movie industry and along the way touches on how the culture of speed in China’s business world influences even the entertainment sphere.

Key Quotes:

“There are so few people, especially in China, who do business and art—especially theatre art. Broadway is a business. Broadway is not pure art; so, you have to be able to understand business to do good shows.”

“This culture of going by the seat of your pants is a benefit and a curse. It’s one of the reasons Chinese startups actually can do so well with the changing environment around them—because there are no plans. So, you’re pivoting constantly, because you’re dealing with whatever is directly in front of you.”