Iconic play returns to stage

New production and workshop give aspiring actors a chance to shine, Chen Nan reports.

One of the most iconic pieces of contemporary Chinese theater, To Be Continued returned for a special three-day performance to mark 20 years since it was written, and 18 years since its debut. The event was the beginning of a yearlong national tour.

This unforgettable celebration of theater and artistic evolution was staged at Beijing's Juyin Theater between Jan 16 and 18. But this wasn't just another revival — it was a journey through time, growth and the power of performance, as the show opened a new chapter in the form of a unique performance creation workshop.

Led by director Huang Ying, 10 talented young actors, selected from over 200 applicants, underwent rigorous training over the course of a month under his mentorship and that of original cast members, including Cao Yuanyuan, Zhang Xiao and Liu Zhengzhi. The result was a powerful experience that allowed these rising stars to demonstrate their potential, while giving the audience the chance to experience the play in a fresh light.