I would look at things that would brighten up the shady area with a glow of white or bright color. The variegated Aspidistra or cast iron plant would do that.
I might also suggest variegated Asian Jasmine if you want a trailing groundcover vine.
Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Variegatum')
It will grow in partial to full shade. The white in the variegation brightens a darker area and I don't find this vine to be rampant at all.
