Guang Shu Theatre's original play Storms at the Guozijian, which won the "Youth Power" award at the 2024 Prism-Mini Theatre Festival in June, has recently returned to the stage as part of the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center's second "Tradition Reimagined" project. This latest production has refined both its staging and text, reflecting the young theater troupe's commitment to excellence.
In contemporary youth theater, historical themes are seldom explored in depth. However, Zhu Xuejia, a young playwright who graduated in law from Southwest University of Political Science and Law, found inspiration in an imperial edict from the Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang inscribed on a marble tablet at the Guozijian. Zhu daringly transforms the Guozijian into a dramatic arena for power struggles and the shifting destinies of historical figures. The play does more than recount a moment in the Ming Dynasty; it explores history's multifaceted nature, prompting audiences to question: how should history truly be interpreted?
The story takes place in 1385, the 18th year of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang's reign. In this turbulent year, the Guozijian, as the highest institution of learning, becomes embroiled in turmoil. Song Na, the then-Libationer of the Guozijian, faces backlash from students for his strict governance. Jin Wenzheng, a minor official, decides to ally with his compatriot, Minister of Personnel Yu Xi, to report Song Na to the emperor, sparking a fierce confrontation.
The play's dialogue blends classical and modern Chinese, maintaining an ancient linguistic flavor while ensuring accessibility for contemporary audiences. The costume and set design mix traditional and modern elements, with an elevated, carved pavilion exuding classical elegance, and large black-and-white chess pieces symbolizing the chessboard of life, encouraging philosophical reflection. Historical narratives often focus on major events and central figures, neglecting many personal stories and subtleties. Yet through this play, the creators fill these gaps and construct a vivid portrayal within a historical framework.
The casting also brings a unique dimension. Wang Zhongnü, a young "laodan" (elderly female) performer from the Jingju Theatre Company of Beijing, takes on both Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, breaking conventional gender boundaries. Her performance style uniquely captures the emperor's majesty and isolation alongside the empress's wisdom and compassion, inviting the audience to re-examine complex gender and power dynamics within these roles.
The multidimensional conflicts and strategic battles between characters make the play even more compelling. Chen Lei's portrayal of Song Na reveals the challenges faced by a two-generation official within an unstable power structure. Chen Shaobai's Jin Wenzheng, idealistic yet limited by his scholarly status, struggles under the shadow of authority. Jiang Yi's Yu Xi, from a family of craftsmen, rises to the scholarly ranks with both cunning and his own political calculations. Through these characters' fates, audiences witness the harsh realities of power games and the human nature behind historical upheavals.
Directed by Wu Pengfei, Storms at the Guozijian demonstrates a thoughtful and aesthetically ambitious approach to young, original theater. With further emphasis on character individuality and pacing, this work could even more fully express its intellectual depth and artistic allure.
Translator: FENG Haoxuan
Reviewer: BAI Jing
