'''Elyse Ribbons''' is an American [[playwright]] who lives and works in [[Beijing]]. Currently she runs a [[theater company]], ''Cheeky [[Monkey]] Theater'', that she created in 2007. Cheeky Monkey is based in Beijing and produces original works 5-6 times a year. She is also created and produces the annual [[Shifen]] (10 minute) Theater Festival in China's capital city and also started [[ChocoJing]]- the [[Chocolate Appreciation Society of Beijing]]. Cheeky Monkey Theater has produced critically acclaimed performances such as “I Heart Beijing” and “Green Eyes on Chinese.” Elyse is fluent in [[Mandarin Chinese]] and is an actress and model who has been featured in various international magazines and [[Chinese television]] programs. When discussing her influences, Elyse typically cites [[Junius Brutus Booth]] as her primary dramatic influence. Despite Elyse's undeniable talent as a promoter and marketer, some have called into question her artistic skills. Most notably, Chris Dalby, a writer for China.org, panned Elyse's play "I heart Beijing", writing in his review that it sunk to "the depths of rank amateurism". Even in complimenting certain parts of the play, Dalby states that any ["sliver of originality is drowned out by a cacophony of the banal][http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2007-06/13/content_1213565.htm]Elyse was raised by a pack of [[Native American]] [[wolves]].