Reviving classics to retell timeless stories
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Reviving classics to retell timeless stories

China Daily  

A scene from Enigma Variations, a Chinese stage adaptation of the 1996 novel by French author and dramatist Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, featuring actors Feng Yuanzheng and Yan Nan, that premiered at the Beijing People's Art Theatre on Dec 27. In the heart of Beijing, where the hum of modernity meets the echoes of tradition, a stirring movement is unfolding at the legendary Beijing People's Art Theatre. Through its latest initiative, the Classic Revival Plan, the Beijing People's Art Theatre is not only bringing back old plays but it is rekindling the very soul of Chinese drama, ensuring that these masterpieces continue to inspire and captivate new generations, said Feng Yuanzheng, a veteran actor and director who is also the president of the theater, in Beijing on Wednesday. Back in 2012, Ren Ming, the former president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, directed this Chinese play, and Feng was one of the actors.

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History of this topic

Adaptation gives Cao Yu's Sunrise a fresh young cast
1 month, 1 week ago

Adaptation gives Cao Yu's Sunrise a fresh young cast

China Daily  

Yang Mingxin and Lu Lu play the lead roles in the Beijing People's Art Theatre's latest production of the classic play Sunrise. Cao Yu's Sunrise, one of the most significant and celebrated plays in modern Chinese theater, was given a fresh adaptation by the Beijing People's Art Theatre in 2021. Since then, the Beijing People's Art Theatre has produced several …

Adaptation gives Cao Yu's Sunrise a fresh young cast
1 month, 1 week ago

Adaptation gives Cao Yu's Sunrise a fresh young cast

China Daily  

Yang Mingxin and Lu Lu play the lead roles in the Beijing People's Art Theatre's latest production of the classic play Sunrise. Cao Yu's Sunrise, one of the most significant and celebrated plays in modern Chinese theater, was given a fresh adaptation by the Beijing People's Art Theatre in 2021. Since then, the Beijing People's Art Theatre has produced several …

Reviving classics to retell timeless stories
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Reviving classics to retell timeless stories

China Daily  

By Chen Nan | China Daily | Updated: 2025-01-14 09:08 A scene from Enigma Variations, a Chinese stage adaptation of the 1996 novel by French author and dramatist Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, featuring actors Feng Yuanzheng and Yan Nan, that premiered at the Beijing People's Art Theatre on Dec 27. In the heart of Beijing, where the hum of modernity meets the …

Minimal set, maximum impact
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Minimal set, maximum impact

China Daily  

"Over time, actors develop certain techniques and habits that become ingrained. He adds that he particularly likes Xu's idea of using minimalist sets to convey the emotional isolation of the character, and evoke a sense of solitude and intellectual reflection. Although Yan doesn't work regularly with the Beijing People's Art Theatre, his acting, and especially his "emotional intensity" as Feng …

Playing Chekhov in China
3 months, 1 week ago

Playing Chekhov in China

China Daily  

The adaptation drew inspiration from cinematic techniques and used live video projection to make the play more relevant to Chinese theatergoers while remaining true to Chekhov's original. It also draws inspiration from cinematic techniques and uses live video projections to amplify the acting or show perspectives the audience cannot otherwise see. Although the play's faith in striving for a meaningful …

Playing Chekhov in China
3 months, 1 week ago

Playing Chekhov in China

China Daily  

The adaptation drew inspiration from cinematic techniques and used live video projection to make the play more relevant to Chinese theatergoers while remaining true to Chekhov's original. It also draws inspiration from cinematic techniques and uses live video projections to amplify the acting or show perspectives the audience cannot otherwise see. Although the play's faith in striving for a meaningful …

Costumes reveal an enduring legacy
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Costumes reveal an enduring legacy

China Daily  

The Jingju Theater Company of Beijing stages Mu Guiying Takes Command at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Oct 22. The exhibition highlights how Mei Baojiu maintained his father's legacy while also infusing his work with contemporary sensibilities, ensuring that the art form stayed relevant to modern audiences. The exhibition, running until Nov 10, centers around …

Mu Guiying's Costumes Reveal a Legacy of Evolution and Innovation
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Mu Guiying's Costumes Reveal a Legacy of Evolution and Innovation

China Daily  

The Jingju Theater Company of Beijing presents a captivating exhibition titled 'Mu Guiying Takes Command' showcasing the enduring legacy of Peking Opera through the masterful costumes of Mei Baojiu. The exhibition features nine representative Peking Opera pieces from the two artists, including Farewell My Concubine and The Legend of Yang Yuhuan, and more than 30 exquisite costumes and headpieces that …

Exploring the Intangible: A Journey into Chinese Culture Through Key Terms and Stories
Trending News
5 months ago

Exploring the Intangible: A Journey into Chinese Culture Through Key Terms and Stories

China Daily  

This article introduces a book series that aims to educate young Chinese about their culture. The books, written by scholars Wei and Liu, explore the history and significance of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, including Kunqu opera and silk craftsmanship. The series is beautifully presented with attractive covers and engaging content that makes complex cultural concepts accessible and interesting. The books …

Beijing People's Art Theatre Takes Center Stage in Shanghai with Diverse Performance Lineup
5 months, 1 week ago

Beijing People's Art Theatre Takes Center Stage in Shanghai with Diverse Performance Lineup

China Daily  

Beijing People's Art Theatre is showcasing their repertoire in Shanghai with a series of performances and workshops. The company will present five plays in Shanghai until Nov 9, including the renowned production 'Tea House,' featuring veteran actors like Pu Cunxin and Yang Lixin. The company is also hosting workshops and lectures to educate the public about the history and legacy …

Poetic dance drama to enchant Huzhou audiences
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Poetic dance drama to enchant Huzhou audiences

China Daily  

chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: Sep 5, 2024 A Chinese dance drama titled Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, is set to be staged at the Huzhou Grand Theatre in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 20 and 21. The dance drama was inspired by A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, a classic artwork created by artist Wang Ximeng during …

Classic play strikes the stage once again
8 months, 1 week ago

Classic play strikes the stage once again

China Daily  

Scenes from the Chinese play Thunderstormstaged at the Capital Theater in Beijing, from July 16 to 28. Marking the 70th anniversary of its premiere of the classic Chinese play Thunderstorm, Beijing People's Art Theater staged the production again at the Capital Theater in Beijing on July 16, with shows running until July 28. In 1954, Beijing People's Art Theater premiered …

Historical dance drama prepares students for the future
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Historical dance drama prepares students for the future

China Daily  

The theater lights had yet to dim when a male dancer wearing traditional Chinese clothes from the Qing Dynasty appeared among the audience, bowing respectfully and immersing them in the era. That's the beginning scene of the original Chinese dance drama Weiwei Zhengyang, or Zhengyang Gate, which premiered at the theater of the Beijing Dance Academy on Sunday. Performed by …

Historical dance drama prepares students for the future
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Historical dance drama prepares students for the future

China Daily  

The theater lights had yet to dim when a male dancer wearing traditional Chinese clothes from the Qing Dynasty appeared among the audience, bowing respectfully and immersing them in the era. That's the beginning scene of the original Chinese dance drama Weiwei Zhengyang, or Zhengyang Gate, which premiered at the theater of the Beijing Dance Academy on Sunday. Performed by …

Beijing People's Art Theater marks 72nd anniversary
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Beijing People's Art Theater marks 72nd anniversary

China Daily  

Veteran actor Wu Gang talks about the classic Chinese play The Caine Mutiny, adapted from the novel of the same name by US writer Herman Wouk. On Wednesday, the Beijing People's Art Theatre commemorated its 72nd anniversary with a 12-hour extravaganza held both at the theater and online. The celebration kicked off at 10 am at the Capital Theater, the …

Beijing People's Art Theater marks 72nd anniversary
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Beijing People's Art Theater marks 72nd anniversary

China Daily  

Veteran actor Wu Gang talks about the classic Chinese play The Caine Mutiny, adapted from the novel of the same name by US writer Herman Wouk. On Wednesday, the Beijing People's Art Theatre commemorated its 72nd anniversary with a 12-hour extravaganza held both at the theater and online. The celebration kicked off at 10 am at the Capital Theater, the …

Beijing People's Art Theater marks 72nd anniversary
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Beijing People's Art Theater marks 72nd anniversary

China Daily  

Veteran actor Wu Gang talks about the classic Chinese play The Caine Mutiny, adapted from the novel of the same name by US writer Herman Wouk. On Wednesday, the Beijing People's Art Theatre commemorated its 72nd anniversary with a 12-hour extravaganza held both at the theater and online. The celebration kicked off at 10 am at the Capital Theater, the …

Past performance
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Past performance

China Daily  

Scenes from Yongdingmen Li, a new stage production by the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which is being presented at the Capital Theatre from May 1 to 12, featuring Miao Chi and Yang Mingxin in the lead roles. The Beijing People's Art Theatre's latest production depicts stories set in the capital during three decades of New China's early history, Chen Nan …

Past performance
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Past performance

China Daily  

Scenes from Yongdingmen Li, a new stage production by the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which is being presented at the Capital Theatre from May 1 to 12, featuring Miao Chi and Yang Mingxin in the lead roles. The Beijing People's Art Theatre's latest production depicts stories set in the capital during three decades of New China's early history, Chen Nan …

Past performance
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Past performance

China Daily  

Scenes from Yongdingmen Li, a new stage production by the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which is being presented at the Capital Theatre from May 1 to 12, featuring Miao Chi and Yang Mingxin in the lead roles. The Beijing People's Art Theatre's latest production depicts stories set in the capital during three decades of New China's early history, Chen Nan …

Theatrical spectacle reveals Dunhuang's cultural heritage
11 months ago

Theatrical spectacle reveals Dunhuang's cultural heritage

China Daily  

Director Tian Qinxin, also the president of the National Theater of China, in Beijing on April 23. This ambitious new production boasts a stellar lineup of artists, including director Tian Qinxin, scriptwriter Jiang Wenliang, and songwriter Peter Kam. Notably, the production features the multifaceted singer-actor Zhang Yixing in the leading role of Chang Shuhong, a celebrated painter who, after returning …

Theatrical spectacle reveals Dunhuang's cultural heritage
11 months ago

Theatrical spectacle reveals Dunhuang's cultural heritage

China Daily  

Director Tian Qinxin, also the president of the National Theater of China, in Beijing on April 23. This ambitious new production boasts a stellar lineup of artists, including director Tian Qinxin, scriptwriter Jiang Wenliang, and songwriter Peter Kam. Notably, the production features the multifaceted singer-actor Zhang Yixing in the leading role of Chang Shuhong, a celebrated painter who, after returning …

A play that turns into a comedy of errors
11 months, 2 weeks ago

A play that turns into a comedy of errors

China Daily  

The creative team of the play at the news conference at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. When the Beijing People's Art Theatre's director Lin Cong was trying to make a Chinese stage adaptation of The Miser, a five-act comedy by Moliere — the greatest of French comedy writers — she decided to find out what the actor and playwright had …

A play that turns into a comedy of errors
11 months, 2 weeks ago

A play that turns into a comedy of errors

China Daily  

The creative team of the play at the news conference at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. When the Beijing People's Art Theatre's director Lin Cong was trying to make a Chinese stage adaptation of The Miser, a five-act comedy by Moliere — the greatest of French comedy writers — she decided to find out what the actor and playwright had …

A play that turns into a comedy of errors
11 months, 2 weeks ago

A play that turns into a comedy of errors

China Daily  

The creative team of the play at the news conference at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. When the Beijing People's Art Theatre's director Lin Cong was trying to make a Chinese stage adaptation of The Miser, a five-act comedy by Moliere — the greatest of French comedy writers — she decided to find out what the actor and playwright had …

Guangxi celebrates 80th anniversary of theater extravaganza
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Guangxi celebrates 80th anniversary of theater extravaganza

China Daily  

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on April 10 in Beijing that 39 Chinese theatrical productions will be showcased in Nanning and Guilin, located in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, from April 17 to May 23, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Southwest Drama Exhibition. In 1940, he spearheaded the establishment of the Guangxi Provincial Art Center, …

Guangxi celebrates 80th anniversary of theater extravaganza
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Guangxi celebrates 80th anniversary of theater extravaganza

China Daily  

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on April 10 in Beijing that 39 Chinese theatrical productions will be showcased in Nanning and Guilin, located in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, from April 17 to May 23, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Southwest Drama Exhibition. In 1940, he spearheaded the establishment of the Guangxi Provincial Art Center, …

Guangxi celebrates 80th anniversary of theater extravaganza
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Guangxi celebrates 80th anniversary of theater extravaganza

China Daily  

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on April 10 in Beijing that 39 Chinese theatrical productions will be showcased in Nanning and Guilin, located in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, from April 17 to May 23, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Southwest Drama Exhibition. In 1940, he spearheaded the establishment of the Guangxi Provincial Art Center, …

Presenting plays for the people
1 year, 1 month ago

Presenting plays for the people

China Daily  

During this year's Spring Festival, Beijing People's Art Theatre will stage Beneath the Red Banner, adapted from Lao She's novel with the same title, which is directed by Feng Yuanzheng and Yan Rui, and features actor Pu Cunxin as the leading role. Catching a performance by the Beijing People's Art Theatre is on the list for theatergoers in the capital …

Presenting plays for the people
1 year, 1 month ago

Presenting plays for the people

China Daily  

During this year's Spring Festival, Beijing People's Art Theatre will stage Beneath the Red Banner, adapted from Lao She's novel with the same title, which is directed by Feng Yuanzheng and Yan Rui, and features actor Pu Cunxin as the leading role. Catching a performance by the Beijing People's Art Theatre is on the list for theatergoers in the capital …

Setting the stage for future talent
1 year, 3 months ago

Setting the stage for future talent

China Daily  

The Peking Opera production Madame White Snake by the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. Since 2012, the Beijing People's Art Theatre has been working with Beijing No 166 High School to build a theater base, which offers theater training programs to over 40,000 students. During the New Era International Showcase of Campus Theatre, organized by the China Theatre Association …

Setting the stage for future talent
1 year, 3 months ago

Setting the stage for future talent

China Daily  

The Peking Opera production Madame White Snake by the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. Since 2012, the Beijing People's Art Theatre has been working with Beijing No 166 High School to build a theater base, which offers theater training programs to over 40,000 students. During the New Era International Showcase of Campus Theatre, organized by the China Theatre Association …

Play celebrates historic figure
1 year, 3 months ago

Play celebrates historic figure

China Daily  

Actor-director Feng Yuanzheng, also the president of Beijing People's Art Theatre, gives a fresh interpretation on the life of renowned 16th century politician and imperial adviser Zhang Juzheng, in Beijing in November. In 2005, writer and poet Xiong Zhaozheng's four-volume novel, Zhang Juzheng, won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, one of China's most prestigious literary accolades. During the shooting of …

Play celebrates historic figure
1 year, 3 months ago

Play celebrates historic figure

China Daily  

Actor-director Feng Yuanzheng, also the president of Beijing People's Art Theatre, gives a fresh interpretation on the life of renowned 16th century politician and imperial adviser Zhang Juzheng, in Beijing in November. In 2005, writer and poet Xiong Zhaozheng's four-volume novel, Zhang Juzheng, won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, one of China's most prestigious literary accolades. During the shooting of …

Play celebrates historic figure
1 year, 3 months ago

Play celebrates historic figure

China Daily  

Actor-director Feng Yuanzheng, also the president of Beijing People's Art Theatre, gives a fresh interpretation on the life of renowned 16th century politician and imperial adviser Zhang Juzheng, in Beijing in November. In 2005, writer and poet Xiong Zhaozheng's four-volume novel, Zhang Juzheng, won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, one of China's most prestigious literary accolades. During the shooting of …

Play celebrates historic figure
1 year, 3 months ago

Play celebrates historic figure

China Daily  

Actor-director Feng Yuanzheng, also the president of Beijing People's Art Theatre, gives a fresh interpretation on the life of renowned 16th century politician and imperial adviser Zhang Juzheng, in Beijing in November. In 2005, writer and poet Xiong Zhaozheng's four-volume novel, Zhang Juzheng, won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, one of China's most prestigious literary accolades. During the shooting of …

Theater festival to run 3 months in Tianjin
1 year, 6 months ago

Theater festival to run 3 months in Tianjin

China Daily  

The Haihe Theater Festival is set to open on Sept 25 in Tianjin and will run for three months. The Haihe Theater Festival is set to open its three-month run on Sept 25 in Tianjin, the first of its kind to run such a long period of time devoted to the theater arts. Honoring Cao Yu — the father of …

A tasteful production
1 year, 8 months ago

A tasteful production

China Daily  

Actress Cai Ming and actor Liu Peiqi speak at a news conference to launch the new play, From West to East, about the century-old hot pot restaurant Dong Lai Shun, in Beijing on July 10. For Chinese scriptwriter Zhang Heping, who has written scripts for TV dramas and movies and currently serves as the president of the Beijing Federation of …

A tasteful production
1 year, 8 months ago

A tasteful production

China Daily  

Actress Cai Ming and actor Liu Peiqi speak at a news conference to launch the new play, From West to East, about the century-old hot pot restaurant Dong Lai Shun, in Beijing on July 10. For Chinese scriptwriter Zhang Heping, who has written scripts for TV dramas and movies and currently serves as the president of the Beijing Federation of …

Hamlet gets innovative interpretation
1 year, 8 months ago

Hamlet gets innovative interpretation

China Daily  

Hamlet and More, the latest theatrical production by Beijing People's Art Theatre, will be staged from July 24 to Aug 7. Directed by Yang Jiayin, the play gathers young actors and actresses of the established theater, who will give their creative and fresh interpretations of Hamlet. Veteran actor Feng Yuanzheng, who is the president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, …

Venue hosts dramatic celebration
1 year, 9 months ago

Venue hosts dramatic celebration

China Daily  

Young actors and actresses of the Beijing People's Art Theatre perform excerpts of classic plays. In 2022, when Beijing People's Art Theatre had its 70th birthday, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the theater's regular performances to be canceled or postponed. Teahouse, written by Chinese novelist and dramatist Lao She, is a vivid depiction of people from all walks of life during …

Venue hosts dramatic celebration
1 year, 9 months ago

Venue hosts dramatic celebration

China Daily  

Young actors and actresses of the Beijing People's Art Theatre perform excerpts of classic plays. In 2022, when Beijing People's Art Theatre had its 70th birthday, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the theater's regular performances to be canceled or postponed. Teahouse, written by Chinese novelist and dramatist Lao She, is a vivid depiction of people from all walks of life during …

Acting master class
1 year, 11 months ago

Acting master class

China Daily  

Artists of Beijing People's Art Theatre and young actors and actresses of the company's latest training program in Beijing on April 19. For more than 70 years, Beijing People's Art Theatre has been considered the flag bearer of Chinese drama. The three venues are the Capital Theatre, the home of Beijing People's Art Theatre; Juyin Theatre, also located in the …

Acting master class
1 year, 11 months ago

Acting master class

China Daily  

Artists of Beijing People's Art Theatre and young actors and actresses of the company's latest training program in Beijing on April 19. For more than 70 years, Beijing People's Art Theatre has been considered the flag bearer of Chinese drama. The three venues are the Capital Theatre, the home of Beijing People's Art Theatre; Juyin Theatre, also located in the …

Beijing People's Art Theater cultivates new talent
1 year, 11 months ago

Beijing People's Art Theater cultivates new talent

China Daily  

Feng Yuanzheng, president of Beijing People's Art Theater. On April 19, Beijing People's Art Theater announced its latest training program for young actors in the capital. In 2019, the theater launched its first training program for young actors, which attracted hundreds of hopefuls from around the country. Feng noted the theater will offer young actors opportunities to perform onstage as …

Beijing People's Art Theater cultivates new talent
1 year, 11 months ago

Beijing People's Art Theater cultivates new talent

China Daily  

Feng Yuanzheng, president of Beijing People's Art Theater. On April 19, Beijing People's Art Theater announced its latest training program for young actors in the capital. In 2019, the theater launched its first training program for young actors, which attracted hundreds of hopefuls from around the country. Feng noted the theater will offer young actors opportunities to perform onstage as …

Classic tale gets new treatment
2 years, 6 months ago

Classic tale gets new treatment

China Daily  

Feng Yuanzheng and the main performers of Du Fu at a recent rehearsal session at Beijing People's Art Theatre. Feng notes that it is a conventional practice at the theater for the experienced actors to offer the newcomers guidance and instructions. Feng, 60, was recently announced as the new president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. He is the fifth …

11 stage plays that set the seal on Renyi's reputation
2 years, 6 months ago

11 stage plays that set the seal on Renyi's reputation

China Daily  

Editor’s note: The most prestigious theatrical company of China, the Beijing People’s Art Theater – popularly abbreviated as “Renyi” in Chinese –has contributed numerous classic productions since its inception in 1952. Thunderstorm Playwright: Cao Yu Premiered in 1954 Praised as one of China's most enduring dramas of the 20th century, Thunderstorm depicts two families whose complex relationships lead to inevitable …

11 stage plays that set the seal on Renyi's reputation
2 years, 6 months ago

11 stage plays that set the seal on Renyi's reputation

China Daily  

Editor’s note: The most prestigious theatrical company of China, the Beijing People’s Art Theater – popularly abbreviated as “Renyi” in Chinese –has contributed numerous classic productions since its inception in 1952. Thunderstorm Playwright: Cao Yu Premiered in 1954 Praised as one of China's most enduring dramas of the 20th century, Thunderstorm depicts two families whose complex relationships lead to inevitable …

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