Shanghai Grand Theater trying out new identification system

Recently the Shanghai Grand Theatre took the unprecedented step of, demanding that ticket buyers present their ID information for the purchase of tickets for a play named Deling and Cixi.

The theater production featuring a star-studded cast will have seven performances at the theater from Sept 18 to 22.

The step was taken to prevent scalping as the play has attracted wide interest among theater fans, according to Zhang Xiaoding, the general manager of the theater.

"We made the decision to try the real-name system at our box office, so as to ensure that people had a fair opportunity to buy tickets."

The theater also requires a valid ID presented at the entrance.

If this process goes smoothly for Deling and Cixi, the theater plans to use it for other productions in the future.