Written by An Ying, based on the original work by Lao She
Directed by Tian Qinxin
Performed by National Theatre of China
We were even surprised that Tian Qinxin, who is well known for her experimental and pioneering style in drama, has such a sound foundation in traditional drama directing. Perhaps, we can assume that Tian has returned to the original “self” from an more advanced level after experiencing restless youth rather than saying she has made a breakthrough of the present “self.” This drama’s classic interpretation of Beijing style by the actors and actresses almost secured its success.
-- Li Wei, Dongfang Daily
The Yellow Storm directed by Tian Qinxin discovered the contemporary meaning in the work of Lao She appropriately. Through Tian, the characters of the original work relived their lives across time and space; the greed and selfishness of which mirrored the people of our times; and their quiet endurance inspired many of us.
-- Star Daily, Beijing
Tian Qinxin composed the drama, The Yellow Storm, into an elegy, which belongs to Beijing. To my surprise, I sympathized with the story and had such a strong feeling for it. The novel version of Four Generations Under One Roof shows great tolerance for the people in Beijing during the war of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, while the drama version, from a broader perspective, releases them from purgatories.
-- Mou Sen (Director)
The novel Four Generations Under One Roof written by Lao She, is one of China’s modern classics. The story takes place in the year of 1937, when lined-up Japanese forces in Fengtai tried to force their way to the Lugouqiao (Marco Polo Bridge), but were rejected by the Chinese troops garrisoned at the bridge. There is a big family living in a small Hutong, a type of narrow street or alley, most commonly associated with Beijing. The story illustrates how average citizens from different social status and backgrounds face their destiny, lose hope and self respect…how common people react to the horrors of war.
Tian feels lucky to have the chance to pick apart Lao She's dense play, and she has woven traditional theatrical elements such as liangxiang, or the "freeze," into her adaptation. Tian has spent years adapting other literary classics from Xiao Hong's Life and Death Field, Interlock of Two Worlds to Zhang Ai Ling's Red Rose White Rose and Li Bi Hua's Green Snake. She has dedicated herself to harnessing the essence of Chinese literary classics in hopes of finding a Chinese voice and point of view in theatrical interpretations.
About National Theatre of China >>>
National Theatre of China (NTC)，affiliated to the Ministry of Culture, is a performing arts organization with rich creative resources and brilliant history. The theatre possesses a galaxy of senior artists such as Ouyang Yuqian, Liao Chengzhi, Wu Xue, Shu Qiang, Jin Shan and Sun Weishi who have provided a solid foundation to the Theatre’s development.
Today’s NTC employs the top dramatists and administrators throughout China. Because of their prominent talents, the Theatre features Neo-realism works and has set up a strong art creation and management team.
The NTC has three modern theatres, including a new grand theatre, a small performance venue, and the Vanguard Theatre, suitable for diversified performances. In addition, the nationwide theatre league gathered around Beijing is progressively established, offering dynamic support to the intensive performances under the latest management model.
The NTC endeavours to be the national top-ranking and world renowned performance organization by producing more colourful works, having clear aesthetic pursuit and scientific management, inheriting traditions to open a way for future.
The current President is Mr. Zhou Zhiqiang. Yan Fengqi is the Secretariat of the NTC’s Party Committee and Vice-president. Wang Xiaoying, Zha Mingzhe and Shi Lifen serve as the Vice-president.