"Peking University National Centre for the Performing Arts Week" unveiled the drama "Cross Street" in response to the questions of the times

Guangming News (Reporter Li Wenjian) On May 21, the "Peking University • National Centre for the Performing Arts Week" jointly planned by Peking University and the National Centre for the Performing Arts officially kicked off, and the drama "Cross Street" created by the National Centre for the Performing Arts was brilliantly staged in the Centennial Lecture Hall of Peking University as the first performance of this art week activity.

In 1937, the film "Cross Street", launched by the Star Film Company, written and directed by Shen Xiling, and starring Zhao Dan, Bai Yang and other artists, was staged, which told the different life paths of four college students in the 1930s. Young people's love yearning, career life and social contradictions are interlinked, and have become a unique commemorative work in the history of Chinese cinema

In October 2020, the National Centre for the Performing Arts and director Huang Ying put this film history classic on the drama stage and successfully premiered. The drama "Cross Street" takes the turbulent 1937 as the background of the times, through either a strangling friendship or a hilarious love, and a light comedy interpretation to interpret the sense of strength and spirit of mourning without hurt and going against the current. With its rich forms of expression and natural and emotional performances, the drama deepens a main question: when the national fortunes and people's livelihood are difficult, why do young intellectuals choose life and values?

"Cross Street" was performed at the Centennial Lecture Hall of Peking University. Noble/Photography

Huang Ying said in an interview with the media before the performance, "This work can enter Peking University, and the staff in front of and behind the stage are very happy." I believe that this drama reflects the young people wandering on the cross street 84 years ago, and today with the performance, it will also have a deeper dialogue with the Students of Peking University who are here. The predecessors have made their choices about where to face the intersection 84 years ago, and today they hope that through this work, they can have a broader exchange with more young friends and find out today's answers. ”

In the evening, a group of young actors such as Dong Wenliang, Xu Zixuan, Li Xichang, Feng Yang, Yu Mengchao, Liu Beibei, Wang Wenjie and other young actors of the National Centre for the Performing Arts paid tribute to and interpreted the classics from the perspective of the current youth, and reproduced the Shanghai life of "one wall apart" with a youthful interpretation. The daily playfulness of the Zhao Xu brothers and the true feelings of the faces of the male and female protagonists all impressed the audience.

After the performance, student Liu Hanye sighed: "The interpretation on the stage is mixed with the classic reproduction of the film, I think this is not only a tribute to the predecessors, but also let us complete a cross-era empathy - China's youth, no matter at any time, will always be independent and fresh!" Student Yang Wanting said: "In youth, facing the crossroads of life, facing choices, opportunities, challenges, it is inevitable that there will be moments of confusion and wandering. We must aim high, be down-to-earth, be positive and optimistic, and keep forging ahead. Constantly temper yourself, strive for what is worth doing; integrate the ideals of life into the mission of the country and the nation. ”

It is reported that the series of activities of "Peking University National Centre for the Performing Arts Week" will last until the 26th of this month.

Source: Guangming Network