Core Insights - The "2025 National Drama Shanghai Performance Season" successfully showcased five plays, highlighting the revival of Chinese drama in its birthplace, Shanghai [1][4] - The relationship between the audience and the performance is emphasized as a core element of contemporary theater, with a focus on accessibility and engagement [1][2] - The appeal of "Chinese drama" to the younger generation is attributed to its cultural roots and modern relevance, making it fashionable even after years of performance [2][3] Summary by Sections Performance Highlights - The performance season featured five plays: "Four Generations Under One Roof," "Stories from the Drum Tower," "The Grand Mansion," "Live Broadcast of the Founding Ceremony," and "Beijing Fayuan Temple," with a total of 16 performances [1][2] - Each play reflects significant themes, such as national identity, cultural heritage, and historical narratives, appealing to diverse audience interests [2][3] Audience Engagement - The importance of the audience's experience is highlighted, with different viewers seeking education, entertainment, or a combination of both from the performances [2][3] - The concept of "cultural mobility" is introduced, suggesting that the audience's experience transcends geographical boundaries, connecting them to broader cultural narratives [4][5] Historical Context and Future Directions - The historical development of Chinese drama is acknowledged, with a call for contemporary creators to establish new classics for the 21st century [3] - The need for ongoing generational transmission of theatrical works is emphasized, with examples of long-running plays like "Beijing Fayuan Temple" serving as models for future productions [3] Economic Impact - The performance season is seen as a catalyst for local economic activity, transforming audience attendance into commercial benefits for surrounding businesses [5] - The initiative aims to create a sustainable cycle of cultural and economic engagement, enhancing the overall vitality of the arts in Shanghai [5]

Core Insights - The film "The Stage," directed and starred by Chen Peisi, has achieved significant box office success, surpassing 270 million yuan, with projections nearing 600 million yuan, marking it as a standout in the summer film season [3][5] - The film is based on a stage play that has been refined over ten years, performing over 360 shows since its debut in 2015, and has received a high rating of 9.0 on Douban, indicating strong audience appreciation [1][3] - Chen Peisi emphasizes a learning mindset in adapting to new filmmaking technologies and techniques, showcasing a commitment to detail and precision in directing [5][6][12] Film and Industry Context - The film industry has undergone a fundamental transformation from film to digital, with advancements in camera technology and lighting systems, which Chen Peisi acknowledges as a significant change since his last film over 30 years ago [6][17] - "The Stage" stands out in a competitive market without the backing of major stars or IPs, relying instead on a solid script and tight structure, demonstrating the importance of content quality in film success [3][5] - The film's production reflects a blend of traditional theatrical elements and modern cinematic techniques, with Chen Peisi's extensive experience in theater informing his approach to filmmaking [5][8] Creative Process and Directing Style - Chen Peisi prepared an extensive eight-page director's note for the actors, detailing the film's background, character development, and comedic structure, highlighting his meticulous approach to directing [12][14] - The director's hands-on involvement includes personally guiding actors and even demonstrating scenes, which he attributes to his background as an actor, showcasing a unique blend of roles in the creative process [15][20] - The film's narrative structure relies heavily on character actions and interactions, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the comedic essence throughout the production [9][21]