Reinterpreting the classic literature The Thunderstorm (Leiyu), a team of super stars from screen and stage have thrilled both enthusiastic drama lovers and star-struck fans.
The Thunderstorm ensemble, carrying its acclaimed characters Pu Cunxin, Pan Hong, Da Shichang, Gu Yongfei, Cai Guoqing, Lei Kesheng, Tian Hairong and Dong Ruixin ended its performance tour in Shenzhen last week.
After four stage-runs last week, the glory of the drama has been rebuilt and distributed among local audiences, thanks to the well versed interpretation of the artists and its brand new introduction of the background music and vivid claps of thunder.
Based on the original work by prestigious Chinese playwright Cao Yu (1910-96), the drama unravels a family's tragedy at the beginning of the 20th century.
The story unfolds the complex love affairs and incest between two generations of coal mine owner Zhou Puyuan's family.
Members of the cast have performed the roles of The Thunderstorm before, on television, in films and on stage. "It's amazing The Thunderstorm still remains dynamic through several generations even as it approaches its 70th anniversary," said Pu Cunxin, the lead actor playing Zhou Ping. Pu has played the role for over 100 performances.
Gu Yongfei, playing Lu Ma, a miserable and deplorable character, considers this latest version of The Thunderstorm as her role-transfer opportunity, from young, rich but depressive Fan Yi to the elder Lu Ma.
She has played Fan Yi in a screen version of the play some 20 years ago.
Talking about her involvement in the drama, Chen Xinyi, director of the drama, said: "The drama is a classic tale, which poses great pressure to my directing work. However, I believe the biggest advantage for interpreting classics is that you can do whatever you think according to your understanding of the literature, which was impossible decades ago, but we now have that flexibility," she said.
A huge on-stage portrait of Cao Yu in 1934 brings both the players and the audience into the mood of commemorating the master playwright.
(China Daily November 24, 2004)
