Classic play strikes the stage once again

Marking the 70th anniversary of its premiere of the classic Chinese play Thunderstorm, Beijing People's Art Theater staged the production again at the Capital Theater in Beijing on July 16, with shows running until July 28.

Playwright Cao Yu's debut play Thunderstorm was published in 1934 when he was 24. Cao, arguably China's greatest 20th-century playwright, wrote it during his final year at Tsinghua University. The story revolves around two families whose complex relationships lead to inevitable tragic consequences unfolding in the tumultuous 1930s.

In 1954, Beijing People's Art Theater premiered Thunderstorm and has since become one of the most famous productions by the established company.

The ongoing version of Thunderstorm is directed by Gu Wei and Wang Ban and featuring young artists from the company.

An exhibition, showcasing historical photos of Thunderstorm played by different generations of artists, manuscripts of Cao and stage props are also displayed at the Capital Theater.