Debra Li

    TAUGHT as part of the high school syllabus on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong and Taiwan, a farewell letter written by martyr Lin Juemin (1887-1911) to his wife has been deemed the “most beautiful love letter in 20th-century China.”

    Based on Lin’s story, the new play “To My Love” from Guangdong Theater can be seen by local audiences Aug. 5 and 6 at Shenzhen Children’s Palace Theater.

    Lin was one of the 72 martyrs of the Huanghuagang Uprising on April 27, 1911. Their names appear on the Huanghuagang Mausoleum of 72 Martyrs in Guangzhou.

    Born into the prominent family of a Fuzhou scholar, Lin was heavily influenced by Western thought. In 1907, he went to Japan to further his studies at Keio University. In Tokyo, he joined the Tongmenghui which had been started by Sun Yat-sen. As well as excelling in Chinese literature, Lin could also speak Japanese, English and German.

    On his return to Fujian, Lin gathered a group of patriots and took part in the revolution initiated by Sun. After the revolt, 24-year-old Lin was arrested and sentenced to death.

    In 1980, “Magnificent 72,” a biopic of Lin starring actress Lin Qingxia as his wife Chen Yiyin, was nominated for six awards at the Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan. The theme song of the movie, with lyrics written and sung by pop singer Qi Yu, assessed Lin from his wife’s point of view, asking “Who gave you the right to die?”

    After giving birth to his posthumous son, Chen wanted to commit suicide but was persuaded not to for the sake of her son. However, she died a year later of disease, overwhelmed by grief for her late husband.

    A 1989 four-episode Taiwan TV play about Lin had a theme song by Tong Ange, which explained why Lin made the difficult choice of sacrificing himself.

    Both songs will appear in the new play that pays tribute to Lin’s devotion to his revolutionary ideal and love for his wife.

    With an investment of more than 1 million yuan (US$153,800), an elite cast has been selected, including scriptwriter Gong Yingtian (production manager for “Crazy Stone”), director Wu Xiaojiang, choreographer Na Shufeng and lighting designer Xing Xin.

    Debuting last year in Huanghua Theater in Guangzhou, the play has toured mainland cities including Beijing and Chongqing. Its debut in Taiwan in March won enthusiastic critical acclaim.

    “It’s 20 years since Guangdong Theater last performed a serious play in Shenzhen,” said Bai Chongxin, president of the theater. “We hope the audience will like it.”

    The 110-minute experimental play presents realistic themes but uses some unconventional techniques. The backdrop is a book, whose pages are turned to represent the passage of time. Similar to ancient Greek theater, a narrator and a chorus are introduced. From time to time, members of the chorus will come forward as different characters and Lin’s other self to mimic his inner struggle.

    Pop songs, modern dance and elegant language are enlisted to get the audience closer to the play.

    “The point is: We want people to revisit history and see how our ancestors lived. It could remind them that there are grander things in life than power and money,” Bai said.

    Time:

    8 p.m., Aug. 5-6

    Venue:

    Shenzhen Children’s Palace Theater

    Tickets:

    50-380 yuan (40 percent off for students)

    Metro:

    Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit C or D