Biographie
Shasha Pu, hailing from Manchurian roots, was born in Tangshan, situated approximately 120 miles northeast of Beijing. Tangshan, known as an industrial city, gained notoriety due to the devastating earthquake in 1976 that left the city in ruins. During this tragic event, Shasha's mother emerged as the sole survivor of her entire family, leaving an enduring impact on Shasha's upbringing. This experience instilled in her a profound belief in seizing the moment and embracing life to the fullest.
Still in her teens, Shasha moved to Beijing by herself to commence her music education as a mezzo-soprano. Her admission to the esteemed Central Academy of Drama in China marked the beginning of her exploration into directing and performing for the stage, earning her a fine arts degree. She acted in various productions, including stage classics such as "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare, "Popcorn" by Ben Elton, and "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov. Shasha went onto representing China in the Asian Theatre Festival in 2007.
Following her graduation, she took an unexpected turn, delving into television journalism for CCTV. Covering business and commercial disputes, this enriching experience lasted well over a year, providing Shasha with insights into diverse societal issues and their underlying causes. This stint laid a solid and unique foundation for her subsequent career move into screen-based acting. Shasha's debut lead role in "Hua Jia Yun" marked the beginning of a prolific career, with over 20+ films and TV series to her credit. She became a household name, loved for her screen presence and professionalism.
Despite her success in screen acting, Shasha's passion for the stage endured. This passion led her to establish Trinity Theatrical Studios and later, Pony Children's Theatre (PCT), dedicated to children's drama education. At PCT, she developed a curriculum tailored to the Chinese cultural context and heritage, providing children with a platform to thrive on stage. PCT quickly gained recognition as a nurturing space for children to learn and express themselves through stage acting, incorporating techniques such as puppeteering and Chinese shadow puppets. Shasha expanded PCT's reach, participating in prestigious festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Le Festival d'Avignon. Her notable contributions to theatrical education earned her recognition from the Shakespeare Association, receiving the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's Certificate of Contribution and the Avignon Friendship Ambassador in Arts medal.
Shasha's expertise in children's immersive experiential activities led her to consult for one of China's leading children learning spaces - MTG Learning Center. Her involvement played a pivotal role in transforming its products and services into a resounding success, celebrated for their artistic merits and engaging informal education aspects.
