Beijing's theatres often present comedies in recent years so that audiences can escape the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life for a few hours. However, young theatre director, Han Han wanted to try something different, something that could resonate among the audience. He chose to create a play that depicts the hardship of life, yet inspires people to keep running and striving towards something more.

A still from the stage drama "Keep Running" (Pao Lai Pao Qu), which makes its debut show in Beijing's Beiyan Dongtu Theatre on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. [CRI]

Han Han's play, "Pao Lai Pao Qu", or "Keep Running", debuted in Beijing's Beiyan Dongtu Theatre on November 5th.

The play consists of four interrelated parts. The first story takes place in a military camp, where an officer, Wei Dong, confronts the conflicts that exist between friendship, integrity and his future. He chooses to be selfish and is therefore destined to be haunted by his conscience forever.

The second story focuses on Wei Dong's superior and best friend. After he retires from the military, Da Jun becomes a junior clerk in a company and gets lost in the pressure of life. With hope for a better life, he is edged on by a character named Hu Wei to find a rich lover, and killed his fiancée accidentally.

The next story is that of Yan Zi, a former classmate of Hu Wei. Although she is now just a waitress, she has never deserted her dreams of becoming an actress. Hu Wei and some of his co-workers, all of whom are possessed by lust for gain, attempt to use her, but are at last touched by her persistancet.

The last story happens when Wei Dong and Da Jun met each other again. The two friends robbed a bank and accidentally killed Yan Zi. Tortured by the mistakes they made, they decide to seek inner peace through death.

Different narrative techniques are employed in each of the four stories. In the part of Wei Dong, the scenes were shifted frequently by changing the lighting effects and moving the wheeled sets around, just like turning the pages of a book. Da Jun's story is told in a movie-like way, portraying his life in the office and at home. The story of Yan Zi is structured strictly based on the convention of the Three Unities, while the last story is cut into fragments and inserted into the former parts.

The elements of musical, dance, and acrobatics can also be found in the show.

The play is tinged with sadness, revealing the ideals and hopes that are often suppressed by unhappiness and lack of fulfilment. Nevertheless, it means to encourage, as the heroes and heroines still retain faith despite adversity.

While the 30-year-old director Han Han tries to capture the essence of life, he also infuses the play with characteristics from China's late-1970s generation.

"We want to share the things our generation has experienced as we make our way through life, to share the happiness, sadness, depressions and irritations. The ultimate aim remains to inspire all of us to keep running towards our dreams," the director said.

"Keep Running" will be staged at Beijing's Beiyan Dongtu Theatre until November 16th.