Original Beijing-style drama “Yongdingmenli” takes center stage on May Day
Beijing’s Nancheng era came alive on May 1st at the Capital Theater with the staging of the original Beijing-style drama “Yongdingmenli”. This play, written by renowned playwright Jin Yun, showcases a picture of the era in Beijing’s Nancheng and captures the transition stage between old and new in people’s art.
“Yongdingmenli” is a result of the efforts and emotions of several presidents of the Beijing People’s Art Theatre. Liu Jinyun, the second president of the theater, wrote the script for this masterpiece. Spanning the changes of the times from the 1950s to the 1980s, the play focuses on the struggle and competition between two male protagonists, Xiao Dali and Feng Jingbo, who have taken different paths in life. The play demonstrates the power of faith and humanity amidst a backdrop of social change.
Director Ren Ming, who was part of the Art Committee and later became the fourth dean of the People’s Art Institute, praised “Yongdingmenli” for its beautiful tragicomedy and strong drama appreciation. The play combines elements of realism and fiction to bring to life the history of Beijing’s Nancheng era with vivid details and rich information.
While “Yongdingmenli” continues the tradition of Beijing flavor in people’s art, it also introduces innovations and breakthroughs in stage design and performance. Director Tang Ye emphasizes the importance of presenting the full content to the audience while maintaining the freehand brushwork style of Jin Yun’s script.
However, performing a period drama with realism poses challenges for the actors, especially in portraying the strong inner conflicts and soul collisions of the characters. The crew has arranged special training sessions and research visits to help the actors embody the authenticity of the era in which the play is set.
Despite his age, playwright Jin Yun remains actively involved in the theater scene and expresses hope for the future of people’s art. His words of encouragement and expectations for the theater’s bright future inspire young actors to carry on the legacy of the classic works left behind by their predecessors.
As “Yongdingmenli” continues to resonate with audiences, it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence that define people’s art in Beijing.