Green Snake returns with new generation

In 2025, the National Theatre of China announced the revival of its classic play Green Snake. Now in rehearsal, the highly anticipated restaging features a new generation of young actors, promising a fresh take while preserving the play's original artistic essence.

Green Snake premiered at the Hong Kong Arts Festival in March 2013 before touring extensively across China and worldwide from 2013 to 2014, featuring actors such as Qin Hailu, Yuan Quan, and Xin Baiqing.

Adapted from the best-selling novel by Hong Kong author Li Pi-Hua, also known as Lilian Lee, the play continues to captivate audiences both in China and abroad, sustained by its enduring narrative and powerful performances.

Written by Tian Qinxin and An Ying, and directed by Tian, Green Snake reframes the story by placing Fa Hai at its center as both narrator and driving force. The play explores themes of love, fate, and the conflict between humans, demons, and the Buddhist order. The narrative deconstructs the classic legend of the White Snake and reimagines it in a more contemporary light, delving deep into human emotions, philosophical dilemmas, and the complexity of desire and betrayal.

"This folk tale engages timeless questions — human relationships, betrayal, faith and discipline. These are deep philosophical issues that cannot be ignored," says Tian. "Its continued appeal lies in these themes, as well as the emotional intensity our actors bring to the stage."

On Saturday, actress Song Jia attended the rehearsal in Beijing, and shared her acting experience with the young actors.

"Every time I step into the rehearsal room and onto the stage, the feeling only grows stronger," Song says, expressing admiration for the younger actors in the ensemble.

"I envy you all for getting to participate in such a production at the start of your careers," she adds, while also imparting wisdom on the craft of acting: "There's no such thing as talent; practice makes perfect."

Though Song is no stranger to accolades, she emphasizes humility and discipline. "Theater is where my heart truly lies," she says.

Her approach is deeply rooted in constant reinvention.

"With every new project, I try to forget what came before," she says.

"When I start filming, I don't bring the script with me because the lines are already etched in my mind. What matters is responding to your fellow actors ... It's not about competition; it's about collaboration, helping and encouraging your co-actors. The same applies to the stage. Even after long rehearsals, you must stay sensitive to your partner, to the light, the air, and even the different fragrance they carry compared to yesterday."