Sichuan People's Art Theater premieres Su Mu in Beijing
Scenes from Chinese play, titled Su Mu, by Sichuan People's Art Theater. [Photo provided to China Daily]
The Sichuan People's Art Theater debuted its Chinese play, Su Mu (Su's Mother), at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing on Saturday and Sunday.
The production revolves around Madam Cheng and delves into her life, spanning over 30 years following her marriage to Su Xun and the birth of their sons, Su Shi and Su Zhe.
Scenes from Chinese play, titled Su Mu, by Sichuan People's Art Theater. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Renowned figures in classical Chinese literature, Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe, from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), have left a lasting legacy through their influential cultural works, including poems, lyrics, prose, and essays.
"The story of Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe is well-known, but Madam Cheng is rarely told. During our research about Cheng, we discovered her significant contributions to the literary family, particularly in the education of her two sons. She was a well-educated woman who imparted literacy to her sons," explained the play's scriptwriter, Chen Lili.
Scenes from Chinese play, titled Su Mu, by Sichuan People's Art Theater. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Actress Dong Fan, who portrays Cheng and also serves as the president of Sichuan People's Art Theater, emphasized the team's visit to San Su Ci, the memorial temple and former residence of the Su family in Meishan city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, as a source of inspiration. The family's rules, regulations, and life achievements displayed there deeply influenced the creative process.
"We were moved by the woman's unwavering dedication to her family. She deserves to be remembered, and her stories are deserving of being told," Dong expressed.
The play incorporates elements of Sichuan, including its folk music, local opera, and dialect, enriching the portrayal of this captivating narrative.
Scenes from Chinese play, titled Su Mu, by Sichuan People's Art Theater. [Photo provided to China Daily]