Biography:

Zhao Chuan (b. 1967, Shanghai) is a writer and art critic who is also actively involved in the theatre scene.

After graduating from the Affiliated Art High School of Shanghai University School of Fine Art in 1987, Zhao Chuan continued his studies in Australia. Zhao began writing professionally since 2000. His novella Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies won the Unitas Fiction Newcomer Award in 2001. In the following year, he was invited by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taipei City Government and Asialink of Australia, to partake in the Asialink Writing Residency Program in Taipei. Together with Tong Ren, Zhao founded the theatre troupe ‘Grass Stage’ in Shanghai in 2005, with a mission to promote new forms of social theater movement, to organize non-profit theater performances, and to encourage both national and international exchange activities.

Zhao has published numerous novels and essays. His main focus in recent years has been the development of contemporary art in Shanghai since the late70s. Published works include Shanghai Abstract Story.