The exclusive version of the drama “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land” begins the longest nationwide tour
China News Service, Shanghai, March 26th – The highly anticipated 2024 “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land” exclusive edition kicked off its national tour in Shanghai on the 25th. With stops planned in over ten cities including Chengdu, Beijing, Quanzhou, Shenzhen, Pingtan, Jingdezhen, and Urumqi, this tour is set to be the longest in the history of the exclusive edition.
“Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land” is a beloved production by Lai Shengchuan and his renowned “Acting Workshop”. Having played the character Chang Xin for the past 40 years, Lai Shengchuan has directed various versions of the play, including classic, star-studded, exclusive, and commemorative editions. With over 10,000 rehearsals by non-professional theater groups, Lai Shengchuan expressed, “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land has a strong vitality that has become a part of our society and the collective memory of our audience. It is timeless in our hearts.”
The exclusive version of the play, featuring young actors from Lai Shengchuan’s Shanghai Theater Company, has been performed numerous times since its debut in 2017. The production has become a staple at the Shanghai Theater, solidifying its place as a cultural icon and a representation of Shanghai’s theatrical prowess. In 2023, the exclusive edition of “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land” embraced a theater residency model, ensuring its ongoing presence in the city center and attracting audiences from across the country.
Lai Shengchuan reflected on the enduring appeal of the play, stating, “From its creation in 1986 to now, it feels like just yesterday. Its remarkable vitality is something I find difficult to explain.” He added, “The play enlightens the audience, showing them a different side of art. It is both solemn and humorous, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.”
Co-director Luan Lan, who has been involved in rehearsals for “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land” for over two decades, emphasized the play’s universal themes of love and beauty. “Regardless of the era, these themes resonate with people worldwide, making the play relevant and captivating for audiences of all ages and backgrounds,” she said.
As the exclusive version of “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land” sets out on its nationwide journey, theater enthusiasts and fans of the timeless production eagerly await the opportunity to experience the magic of this beloved play in their own cities.