Source: CCTV.com

04-28-2008 11:34

"Sunrise", a classic drama written by Chinese writer Cao Yu, has been adapted into films, musicals and translated into different languages. Yet on May 7th, a new version of Sunrise is expected to rise to distinction in the National Theatre. Director Wang Yansong, considered a "thinker" by colleagues, sets out to explore the inner world of the characters. It's a new way of presenting the masterpiece.

"Sunrise", a classic drama written by Chinese writer Cao Yu,  has been adapted into films, musicals and translated into  different languages. (Photo: CCTV.com)

The drama Sunrise, published in 1936, reveals the corruption and luxury of the rich and the suffering of the poor in old China. The plot revolves around Chen Balu. She's a high-class courtesan in China of the 1930s. Chen enjoys a pleasure-seeking life. Then her benefactor goes bankrupt, a teen age girl she tries to save from forced prostitution dies and her childhood sweetheart, takes his leave. And Chen takes her own life.

Wan Fang, the daughter of the writer Cao Yu, first adapted the drama into a movie. Director Yu Ben managed to make the three-hour film, break through the boundaries of the theatre without drifting too far from the original. Actors and the actresses were chosen according to the description of people in the original drama. Actress Fang Su was named best actress at the ninth Baihua film award for her part as Chen. Critics say the movie successfully passed on the style and soul of the classic.

In 2001, Sunrise was shown on television for the first time. Like the film, the play was adapted by Wan Fang, Cao Yu's daughter. However, Chen Bailu, the main character, was played by actress Xu Fan who gave the character a different touch.