Peking Opera version of Rickshaw hits Nanjing
( 2003-08-27 10:02) (CCTV.com)
Rickshaw, Lao She's rather
depressing novel about life on the lowest rungs of Chinese society was once
adapted into a popular movie in Beijing dialect. A Peking Opera version of the
sad story is now being staged in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province. The
stage adaptation has already gained a place on a list of 30 plays competing in a
national project to protect stage art.
The biggest change can be seen in the ending, which used to be rather loose
and hasty. The music and scripts have also been adjusted to approach the
original flavor of Peking Opera.
Director Shi Yukun said: "We extended the original 13-people band to a
30-person band composed of a Peking Opera group and an ethnic minority
orchestra. When the performers sing on stage, they will have a live
accompaniment."
The characters in the new Rickshaw have been polished, and new ideas have
been injected into the stage and costume designs. The story is as depressing as
ever but the improvements make it well worth a trip to the theater.
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