Core Perspective - The adaptation of Yu Hua's short story "Classical Love" into a stage play by Meng Jinghui represents their third collaboration, following "To Live" and "The Seventh Day," highlighting the theme of personal fate amidst the backdrop of a grand era [1][3]. Summary by Sections Adaptation and Performance - "Classical Love" premiered at the 2025 Anaya Theatre Festival, with tickets selling out quickly and the opening delayed due to long entry lines [3]. - The stage design features modern elements, creating an abstract maze-like environment, while the music blends electronic and classical styles to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative [3][7]. - The play will return to Beijing's Hive Theatre from August 6 to 10, continuing to explore reality through its performances [3]. Author's Reflection - Yu Hua reminisces about his writing process for "Classical Love," noting that it was a parody of popular literary forms of the time, diverging from traditional narratives to explore unexpected outcomes [5][8]. - The story revolves around the tragic love between Liu Sheng and Miss Hui, culminating in themes of despair and the futility of hope, reflecting contemporary human experiences [5][7]. Thematic Exploration - The adaptation intertwines elements from Yu Hua's other work "Blood Plum Blossom," creating a narrative that traverses time and space, while presenting a postmodern sense of nihilism [7]. - The play's emotional impact is evident, as audience reactions include expressions of sorrow and despair, indicating its resonance with modern societal issues [7]. Artistic Philosophy - Both Yu Hua and Meng Jinghui are recognized as avant-garde figures in the cultural sphere, with Meng emphasizing that the essence of avant-garde lies in its posture rather than its outcomes [9]. - Yu Hua believes that the core of a literary or theatrical work is its treatment of time, which serves as the soul of the narrative [10]. Contemporary Relevance - The themes of "Classical Love" resonate with the feelings of disillusionment and existential angst prevalent among today's youth, reflecting a broader societal malaise [11]. - Yu Hua's philosophy on life emphasizes endurance and acceptance of fate, suggesting that the strength of existence lies in resilience rather than aggression [11].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the establishment of Meng Jinghui's theater studio in Hangzhou's Binjiang District, marking a significant expansion of his theatrical influence beyond Beijing [1][2] - Meng Jinghui's latest work, "Classical Love," premiered at the 2025 Anaya Theater Festival, showcasing a collaboration with writer Yu Hua, and represents a modern reinterpretation of love through a postmodern lens [2] - The studio aims to serve as a bridge between avant-garde art and the public, promoting a series of classic and original works while utilizing the cultural space "Dianhun Zizai Li" for regular theatrical activities [1] Group 2 - "Classical Love" incorporates innovative technology, such as real-time dynamic capture interactive devices, aligning with Binjiang District's emphasis on technological innovation [2] - The successful premiere of "Classical Love" at the Anaya Theater Festival sets the stage for its upcoming performances in Hangzhou on July 26 and 27, inviting local audiences to engage with the redefined concept of love [2]