On October 13th, the full-length play “Dream of the Red Chamber,” produced by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, celebrated its 100th performance at the Capital Theater in Beijing. This also marks the first time the show has been performed in the capital city.

The play, divided into two parts—“The Splendor of Life” and “The Birds Return to Their Nest”—offers a stunning visual feast that blends traditional elements with contemporary artistry. Adapting such a well-known classic of Chinese literature for the stage requires significant bravery. First premiered in September 2021, the creative team sought to preserve the essence of the original work while exploring innovative expressions suitable for today’s theater. The aesthetic on stage is minimalist yet strikingly beautiful, allowing ample space for audience imagination.

Tian Shui, the executive producer of the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and actress portraying Grandmother Jia, shared, “With a predominantly young audience, we recognized that a full-length performance can be quite lengthy. Therefore, we’ve implemented various adjustments and upgrades in the scenic design, lighting, costumes, and sound effects, for both acts.”

Screenwriter Yu Rongjun emphasized the play’s intellectual depth, stating, “This adaptation of ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ carries profound themes that convey strength and challenge societal norms. It is rooted in the original storyline but is viewed through a contemporary lens, exploring our thoughts, choices, and expressions. The narrative does not stray from the original plot but organizes and condenses the elements to create a new interpretation. We’ve restructured the timeline to focus on the struggles and connections between individuals and their fates. Iconic scenes from the original work are represented with fresh insights to engage today’s audience.”

The stage design, crafted by Liu Xinglin, leaves a memorable impression with its suggestive simplicity, aligning with modern aesthetics. He uses a white structure that opens to reveal the primary settings for most scenes, while closing back into a blank space, hinting at the idea of a “clean, pristine expanse.” Throughout the performance, hints of red fall and cover the stage, symbolically connecting to Daiyu’s inner turmoil and the fates of the female characters.

Director Cao Yan expressed the intention behind the production, saying, “We aim to present a multifaceted emotional landscape of humanity. I hope audiences step away from conventional perceptions of ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ and embark on a journey through life’s dreams alongside the characters, experiencing the depth of emotions. As you leave the theater, you’ll carry your own unique interpretation of ‘Dream of the Red Chamber.'”

As part of the 2024 Beijing International Drama Invitation Festival, the full-length “Dream of the Red Chamber” was also performed on October 11th and 12th at the Capital Theater.