《红楼之凤》：九旬剧作家徐棻的“川剧绝唱”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the return of renowned playwright Xu Zhen with her final work "The Phoenix of the Red Chamber," showcasing her significant contributions to Sichuan opera and her deep connection to the classic "Dream of the Red Chamber" [1][2]. Group 1: Xu Zhen's Contributions - Xu Zhen, born in 1933, is the first female playwright in the history of Sichuan opera and has dedicated over 60 years to its creation since joining Chengdu Sichuan Opera Theatre in 1961 [1]. - Her works have contributed to the success of 12 winners of the "Meihua Award," and she received the "Lifetime Achievement Award (Drama)" from the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles in 2023 [1]. Group 2: "The Phoenix of the Red Chamber" - "The Phoenix of the Red Chamber" is Xu Zhen's third adaptation related to "Dream of the Red Chamber," following her earlier works "Wang Xifeng" in 1963 and "Red Chamber Dream" in 1987 [1]. - The new play features a more refined structure and tighter narrative, introducing a new observer character, the "Lame Man of the Red Chamber," who provides philosophical insights on human experiences [2]. - The title "The Phoenix of the Red Chamber" cleverly references both the strong character Wang Xifeng and the fate-influencing character Yuan Chun, enriching the thematic depth of the play [2]. Group 3: Production Insights - Xu Zhen invested significant effort in the production process, overseeing script interpretation, overall style, stage design, and music, ensuring meticulous attention to detail despite her physical limitations [2]. - She actively participated in rehearsals and provided clear feedback on various aspects of the production, demonstrating her commitment and clarity of thought [2]. Group 4: Legacy and Challenges - After the premiere on January 30, Xu Zhen expressed gratitude to the audience, acknowledging this as her final work while also sharing her regrets about unaddressed themes she wished to explore [5]. - She highlighted the ongoing challenge of a lack of new playwrights in Sichuan opera, attributing it to a historical focus on external talent rather than nurturing local creators [5].