Rehearsal scene Du Yang photo
BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- As the first anti-epidemic theme of the National Theatre of China, the drama "People First" will open the first round of five performances in Beijing on November 4.
With the fight against the new crown pneumonia epidemic as the background of the story, the drama shows the light of life behind the epidemic from all angles such as doctors, nurses, patients, journalists, volunteers, etc., and sings a song of "people first, life first".
Screenwriter Liu Jinni has been collecting news materials since the outbreak of the epidemic in February this year, obtaining information through interviews with doctor Chi Yuan, and using details to create a real and credible character image. She said, "This play does not deliberately dog blood, nor deliberately sad, but sincerely talks about life, death, disease, love, parting, life, hoping to relieve and heal the trauma that people have suffered during the epidemic." ”
Since "Amnesty" in 2018, director Li Bonan once again shouldered the heavy responsibility of the Creation of the National Drama Theatre of China and insisted on completing the creation with the spirit of fighting the epidemic. He believes that in addition to showing the professional ethics of medical workers who love boundlessly, the play is more about tapping into their shining humanity. Some people in the crew have no lines, but they are still wearing thick protective clothing, just like this national anti-epidemic, in addition to the people who have won the medal, it is more about every Chinese who wears masks, we can't see their faces, but we can use this work to pay tribute to all ordinary and great heroes.
Stage design Zhang Wu moved the 8-meter-high, 10-ton ring staircase device with 80 steps onto the stage, and shaped multiple stage spaces through the rotation of the turntable, showing the panoramic view of anti-epidemic sentient beings. The lighting design Han Jiang strives for a simple and grand effect, with a pure white stage, to create a sense of purity and holiness.
It is worth mentioning that "People First" gathered more than 20 outstanding "old, middle and young" actors of the National Theatre of China, who changed into protective clothing and masks and became a glittering member of the anti-epidemic group portrait.
In order to get close to the characters, he consulted a large number of materials, imitated the limbs of the frostbitten patients, and drew creative inspiration from classic movies, adjusted the physical state, and tried to present the most realistic image of the "frostbitten person" on the stage.
Liu Xiaocui, who has won the Chinese Drama Plum Blossom Award, the Golden Lion Award for Performance and the Wenhua Performance Award, plays the role of Tan Min, who is not only a doctor with lofty professional beliefs, but also a spiritual pillar leading everyone in the play. She said, "We sincerely and simply convey our deep affection for Wuhan, medical staff, patients and volunteers in the play, and the post-epidemic era needs to be reflected, and more importantly, we need warm and positive forces to soothe the trauma." ”
Director Li Bonan Du Yang photo
Jiang Jiaqi, who has cooperated with Li Bonan in "Amnesty", has a more tacit understanding with the director this time. The "Little Yellow Duck" played by her and the husband played by Zou Yizheng, the cousin played by Deng Jiong, and the patient couple played by Mo Yuanji and Xie Lin in the process of fighting the epidemic together, they have resolved the misunderstandings and estrangements in the past, and have felt the goodness and beauty of human nature in love and affection.
It is reported that the "People First" crew will also invite medical staff to visit the rehearsal field, make suggestions for the polishing and improvement of the repertoire, and strive to present a realist masterpiece worthy of the times and the people. (End)
Source: China News Network