FOLLOWING the success of an acclaimed television adaptation, an award-winning stage drama adapted from the novel “Protagonist” will take the stage at the Guangming Culture and Art Center on Aug. 8 and 9.

Based on the novel of the same name by Chinese writer Chen Yan, the play premiered in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, on Feb. 25 to critical acclaim, followed by a nationwide tour. It follows the life of Yi Qin’e, a famous Qinqiang Opera actress who dedicates over four decades to mastering the ancient art form. The story traces her journey from an 11-year-old shepherd girl to becoming the “Queen of Qin Opera” at age 51, spanning nearly half a century of struggle and stage glory.

Known for its high-pitched singing and dramatic performing style, Qinqiang Opera is a genre of traditional Chinese folk opera popular in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.

Chen’s novel, set against the backdrop of China’s transformation from 1976 to 2016, reflects the country’s changes as well as the ups and downs of the ancient art form. The novel won the 10th Mao Dun Literature Award, one of China’s top literary honors.

Using the fortunes and misfortunes of Yi Qin’e’s life as the narrative thread, the play tells the story of several generations of Qinqiang performers, revealing the historical logic and circumstances that shaped the development of traditional Chinese culture.

Time: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 8; 2:30 p.m., Aug. 9

Venue: Grand Theater, Guangming Culture and Art Center, Guangming District (光明文化艺术中心演艺中心大剧场)

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B(SD News)