The stage drama Two Capitals, Fifteen Days, based on the popular novel by Chinese writer Ma Boyong, will be staged in Guangzhou this weekend. In the suspenseful stage play, meticulous details, vivid characters, and continuous plot twists will make audiences ponder the nature of humanity and the meaning of life.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
The original work is based on a true historical account from the History of Ming about the Ming Emperor Zhu Zhanji when he was the crown prince: "In April, there were frequent earthquakes in Nanjing, so Zhu Zhanji was ordered to go and reside there as the governor. After a month, Emperor Renzong fell ill and summoned him back to Beijing. In June, he returned to the capital, received the edict, and entered the palace to mourn."
(Photo provided to GDToday)
Ma Boyong added some details and wrote a story about Zhu Zhanji, a young constable of Nanjing, a meticulous female doctor, and a frustrated official. The play will show the audience how these people embark on a crazy 15-day journey from Nanjing to Beijing to save the perilous Ming dynasty.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
Ma Boyong excels in using historical materials and humorous stories to vividly reveal ordinary people and events, guiding people to observe the true emotional expressions of historical figures and the interesting details of ancient life, as well as reflecting on the era's background. Some of his works, such as The Longest Day in Chang'an, have been adapted to the screen and are popular among young people. This week, Guangzhou audiences can also get a new perspective to understand historical events through the suspenseful plots in the forthcoming show.
In addition, Ren Dongsheng, the stage designer of dance poetry The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, will serve as the visual director. Featuring 226 characters and 400 pieces of costumes and props, the show will offer an all-around upgraded audio-visual experience.
Time: 19:30, April 14 & 15, 2023
Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House
Duration: 215 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission, language: Chinese)
Add.: No. 1, Zhujiang West Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区珠江新城珠江西路1号)
Nearest metro station: Take Metro Line 3 or 5 and get off at the Zhujiang New Town Station, and then use the GT Land Plaza Exit
*One ticket per person, children under 1.2 meters tall are not allowed.
Author: Holly, Kelsey (intern)
Editor: Wing, Nan, Monica, James
