A TV contest by Beijing TV station launched formally at the Great Hall of the People on Monday aiming to select roles for the remake of the 1987 CCTV classic TV drama "A Dream of Red Mansions."

Female director Hu Mei, who is acclaimed for her many popular TV series, including "Qiao Grand Courtyard" and "Emperor of Han," will take the helm of the new 50-episode remake.

Hu said at the press conference Monday the acting opportunity through the TV contest is open to anyone around 20 years old. Those chosen will be trained in literature and performance.

She said most of the actresses and actors in the new TV series would be newcomers to the screen hoping to bring new pleasures to the audience.

The crew of the new production and many celebrities, including Chinese mainland veterans Wang Gang, Chen Daoming and Chen Peisi, attended the opening ceremony. To promote the contest, Deng Jie, the lead actress in the 1987 version, also showed up.

Chinese rock band Zero and veteran singer Li Lingyu performed the theme song "Sister Lin Falling From Heaven" from the original classic drama, adding to the fun.

The original TV series "A Dream of Red Mansions" is based on the same name novel by renowned writer Cao Xueqin, which is one of the four literary masterpieces in Chinese history.

The novel has previously been adapted into many various artistic forms. It tells the story of a large family in the mid-18th century. There are hundreds of characters in the novel through which the society of the time is vividly reflected.

Editor: Donald