Sanjiaxiang, a Guangzhou-produced play adapted from a literary classic of the same name, which literally means an alley where there lived three families, will be premiered at Guangzhou Opera House from September 13 to 14.
A panorama of the life and political turmoil in the 1920s Guangzhou
As its name suggests, the story is set in a fictional alley in Guangzhou where there lived three families, with each representing different social classes—working class, bourgeoisie, and landlords. With such an arrangement, the story manages to bring alive the daily life of characters from all walks of life and thus creates a panorama of Guangzhou’s city life in the 1920s.
Stage photo of Sanjiaxiang (Photo: Guangzhou Dramatic Arts Centre)
"The characters in the play are typical of the time and their backgrounds. It is in telling the stories of these characters that the culture of Guangzhou is represented. Their lives are the best embodiment of culture," shared Fu Yongfan, the director of the play, in a meeting with the media on the afternoon of September 11.
Stage photo of Sanjiaxiang (Photo: Guangzhou Dramatic Arts Centre)
Set against the political upheaval of 1920s China, several uprisings in Guangzhou, including the Shakee Massacre in 1925 and the Guangzhou Uprising in 1927, are featured to represent the acute conflicts between Chinese people and foreign forces at that time, as well as those between the working class and the Nationalist Party of China.
An inspiring story about and for young people
The story of Sanjiaxiang follows the coming-of-age of a blacksmith's son, Zhou Bing. It shows how a young man gradually breaks free from the protection provided by his parents and discovers his ambition to revolutionize the corrupt status quo after being blindsided by devastating life changes. "This is an inspiring story, not only for me but for all young audiences," Zhang Haotian, the actor portraying Zhou Bing, believes.
Stage photo of Sanjiaxiang (Photo: Guangzhou Dramatic Arts Centre)
Another character that the young audience may relate to is Chen Wenting, a woman who rejected arranged marriage in a time when most people remained obedient to their parents. "The courage of Wenting to follow what she loves has well exemplified a kind of independent decision-making that young people are pursuing nowadays," shared Wan Jing, the actress of the character.
Stage photo of Sanjiaxiang (Photo: Guangzhou Dramatic Arts Centre)
A play backed up by an excellent creative team
The adaptation of Sanjiaxiang into a play is backed up by an excellent production team. Playwright Tang Dong and director Fu Yongfan are both prominent figures in contemporary Chinese theater. Tang Dong has won the prestigious Cao Yu Drama Literature Award and the Wenhua Award four times, both of which are among the most influential honors in Chinese theater. Other key members of the creative team are also renowned in the domestic art scene, with set design, lighting, costumes, and makeup all designed by top-level professionals.
If you go:
Time: 7:30 pm, September 13 and 14, 2024
Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House
Duration: about 120 minutes
Language: Chinese
Ticket prices: from 180 to 480 RMB
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)
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | Guangzhou Dramatic Arts Centre
Editor | Nan, James
