Feng Yuanzheng portrays ancient historian Sima Qian in his theater directorial debut, Sima Qian, in which he explores the historian's inner struggles. [Photo by Feng Yuanzheng/China Daily]

History buffs regard Sima Qian as a master for his records of China's early history spanning 3,000 years, despite their unwillingness to face one "embarrassing" fact: The writer was castrated.

But for veteran actor Feng Yuanzheng, the unfortunate event is worthy of acknowledgment.

"Most scriptwriters feel a bit ashamed when dealing with the humiliating penalty. But I want to let the audience know why the great historian would sacrifice his dignity as a man," says Feng, in an interview with China Daily.

Unlike most works that highlight Sima's achievements but blur his later life as a palace eunuch, Feng's theater directorial debut, Sima Qian, starts with the penalty, followed by scenes representing the historian's "inner struggles".

Documents show that the historian, who lived around 2,000 years ago, chose to atone for his "crimes" by accepting castration, seen a huge insult in China's feudal society.