Artists from the national theatre company, Beijing People's Art Theatre, will stage a May 12 quake-themed play, China News Service reported Wednesday.

Veteran Chinese actor Pu Cunxin (L), Feng Yuanzheng (R) and actress Chen Xiaoyi attend a press conference announcing a quake-relief play on Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

The play revolves around the lives of a Sichuan family living in Beijing. Each family member reacts differently after the earthquake struck. Some rush to Sichuan to join the quake relief effort, while others stay in Beijing. The disaster gives them a deeper understanding of themselves, society and life itself.

Renowned director and vice-president of the theatre Ren Ming cast Zhu Xu, who is nearly 80 now, as well as veteran actors Pu Cunxin, Feng Yuanzheng and actress Chen Xiaoyi in the production.

Five fresh graduates from the Central Academy of Drama also joined the cast.

The drama will be performed July 8 at the Capital Theatre.

(CRI June 13, 2008)