Taiwanese drama director Stan Lai will stage his new play “Peking Man” at Shenzhen Poly Theater this week.

Adapted from drama master Cao Yu’s 1941 play of the same title, the Chinese-language play dramatizes the conflicts in a declining feudal family in Beijing during the 1930s. The patriarch, Zeng Hao, spends his days recalling the glorious years of the past. His eldest son, Wenqing, does nothing all day and lives off his father. Wenqing’s wife, Siyi, is the boss of the house, while Zeng’s son-in-law is a playboy. Sufang, Zeng’s niece, is the only member of the family who appears reliable but she falls in love with Wenqing. She remains single for Wenqing and finally leaves the family for freedom and a new life.

“Peking Man” is Lai’s favorite work by Cao and is generally regarded in theater circles as Cao’s best play. The original play premiered in Beijing in 1957. Lai’s version debuted in the capital in March last year.

“All of the characters in the play are dissatisfied with their lives and are looking for something better. But against the backdrop of feudalism, they put up with the situation and none of them ever find happiness,” said actor Yan Nan, who plays Wenqing.

“This is the first time I have directed a play by Cao Yu, which is an honor and a chance to reconnect with this great dramatist,” said Lai. “It reminds me of my early days in theater, and I will present the writer’s ideas authentically.”

“We would keep Cao’s works alive by performing them for today’s audiences, especially younger people,” said Lai.

Time: 8 p.m., Aug. 24-25

Tickets: 180-1,080 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (南山区深圳保利剧院)

Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E

(SD News)