Graduated from the Central Academy of Drama and greatly influenced by Western "cruel drama," Tian Qinxin is known for her combination of feminine delicacy and profound power as well as the combination of the contemporary Western concept of drama and traditional Chinese operas.

She has been arguably the most active young female stage director in the country since debuting with Breaking Wrist (Duanwan) in 1997.

Under her direction the performers act with exaggerated and striking poses and movements while the stage brims with intense and enthusiastic power.

Actor Xin Baiqing, who performed the leading role in Tian's Whirlwind (Kuangbiao) (2001) and portrays the orphan's father in Orphan of the Zhao Family, says: "I could get the power of a man from her."

Says Tian: "I make drama, because I feel sad." All her works, including Breaking Wrist, Peach Flowers at the Stage (Yizhan Taohua), Life and Death (Shengsi Chang), depicting the miserable lives of people in Northeast China between 1930s and 1940s and Whirlwind, a story about Chinese dramatist Tian Han, are tragedies. "I am a sensitive and emotional person and I need something to express my feelings. That something is drama," she said.

"I am fascinated by the scene: The bell is ringing, the theatre gets dark while the stage is in the spotlight and a dreamlike story is unfolding."

Life and Death catapulted Tian to fame in 1999. More than 30 drama companies and film and TV serial investors invited her to direct. Every contract offered her high payment for a few weeks work or just asked to use her name as honorary director. She was flattered, but declined the offers.

"I am conscientious. The drama is my most pure dream. And I would not make drama not from my heart but for money," said she.

(China Daily November 20, 2003)