Core Viewpoint - The city is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War by launching a series of outstanding thematic artistic works, including over 40 pieces across key art forms to promote the great spirit of resistance and gather national rejuvenation strength [1][2]. Group 1: Theatrical Works - The Peking Opera "Wildfire Spring Wind Fighting Ancient City" is a classic adaptation set to be released in 2025, featuring renowned performers and a rich, layered vocal design that captivates the audience [1]. - The play "The Butcher," originally created by Austrian and German playwrights in 1946, reflects the tragic experiences of a butcher under fascist rule in Vienna, aiming to create a strong atmosphere of remembering history and cherishing peace [1]. Group 2: Film and Television - The film "Dongji Island" is based on the lesser-known "Lisbon Maru sinking incident" during World War II, showcasing the bravery of Chinese fishermen who rescued 384 British prisoners of war, thus filling a narrative gap in anti-Japanese war films [2]. - The TV series "Returning to the Team" depicts the heroic struggles of a small unit of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army during their 14 years of arduous resistance against Japanese invaders [2]. Group 3: Literature and Music - The book "Green Flame" presents a panoramic view of the spiritual strength and cultural responsibility of Chinese intellectuals during wartime [2]. - The song "Dare to Take" features lyrics by Sun Wei and music by Chen Kexin, performed by young actor Cheng Yi [2].

Group 1 - The event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War will take place from late August to late October 2025 in Beijing, featuring 22 outstanding stage art performances nationwide [1] - The participating works emphasize the themes of "remembering history, commemorating martyrs, cherishing peace, and creating the future," including various genres such as dance dramas, concerts, and plays that reflect both international perspectives and local struggles during the war [2] - The performances will be held in 11 theaters, with approximately 40 offline shows, and will also be broadcast online through various media platforms to reach a wider audience and enhance the impact of the event [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Beijing People's Art Theatre is staging the play "The Butcher" to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, aiming to reflect on history and convey strength through drama [2]. Group 1: Historical Context and Significance - This year's performance of "The Butcher" is part of a series of events organized by the Central Propaganda Department and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to honor the 80th anniversary of the victory in the wars [2]. - The play, set against the backdrop of the German Empire's rule in Austria during World War II, explores the impact of war on ordinary lives, highlighting the cruelty and destructiveness of conflict [2][3]. Group 2: Artistic Direction and Challenges - The director He Bing aims to instill a sense of mission in young actors, encouraging them to focus on their craft and embrace the creative process [2]. - The production faces three main challenges: honoring the legacy of past artists, the inherent difficulties of the creative process, and winning audience acceptance [3]. Group 3: Cast and Performance Dynamics - The cast includes over 20 young actors, many of whom have previously collaborated in "The Zhao Family's Orphans," showcasing their youthful energy in a larger theater setting [3]. - The production emphasizes the need for confidence among actors, with extensive script work undertaken to ensure they can perform freely and confidently on stage [3]. Group 4: Production Innovations - A significant change in this version of "The Butcher" is the shift from indoor to outdoor settings, featuring a train as a key stage element, symbolizing the passage of time [4]. - The Beijing People's Art Theatre plans to offer public welfare tickets for the performances, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience [4].