Group 1: Performances and Events - The Beijing Opera will feature multiple performances including "Locking the Liner" by the Beijing Opera House and "Mu Guiying Takes Command" by the National Peking Opera Company, scheduled at various venues from January 1 to January 31, 2025 [1] - The Beijing Children's Art Theatre will present a children's play titled "The Battle of the Dragon King" from January 9 to January 18, 2025 [2] - The 10th China Beijing International Art Biennale will take place at the Beijing Exhibition Hall from December 29, 2025, to January 28, 2026 [2] Group 2: Concerts and Music Events - Liu Ruoying's concert "Flying Day 2025" is set for January 1-2, 2025, at the Shengping Biological Center [2] - The National Grand Theatre will host a New Year concert on January 1, 2026, featuring various orchestras [3] - The Bulgarian National Symphony Orchestra will perform a New Year concert at the Beijing Music Hall on January 1, 2026 [3] Group 3: Art Exhibitions - The exhibition "Encountering the King of the River" will be held starting December 26, 2025, at an unspecified location [2] - The "Narrative Space and Spiritual Direction" exhibition will take place starting March 1, 2026, at an unspecified location [2] - The "Inheriting and Innovating Art Exhibition" is scheduled for March 22, 2026, at an unspecified location [2]

Core Insights - The film "The Stage" has achieved significant box office success, grossing 389 million yuan in 21 days, with an average rating of 8.0 from 146,000 viewers on Douban, despite lacking star power and major IP backing [1] - The film has successfully attracted an older audience, with 60.9% of viewers aged 40 and above, highlighting a demand for content catering to middle-aged and elderly viewers [10][8] Group 1: Film Overview - "The Stage" is a unique film that has drawn in many older viewers who typically do not frequent cinemas, showcasing a different audience dynamic compared to other summer blockbusters [4] - The film's narrative focuses on traditional cultural stories, contrasting with other films targeting younger demographics [4][8] - The preparation for "The Stage" took about a year, while the actual filming lasted only one and a half months [8] Group 2: Character and Performance - Actor Chen Dayu, who plays the character Xu Mingli, emphasizes the importance of capturing the character's core instincts, reflecting the fears and uncertainties of living in a tumultuous era [6] - Chen Dayu has a deep connection with the material, having been involved with the original stage play for several years, which informed his performance in the film [5][6] - The transition from stage to film requires significant adjustments in performance style, as film captures subtleties that stage performances do not [7] Group 3: Directorial Approach - Director Chen Peisi, known for his work in the film industry, meticulously planned each scene, understanding the requirements and desired outcomes before filming began [10] - The film's script and director's notes are extensive, with a total of 41 pages of director's notes and a 30,000-word script, indicating a thorough preparatory process [11][13] - Chen Peisi's approach reflects a blend of theatrical and cinematic techniques, aiming to create a unique viewing experience that resonates with both mediums [7][10]

Group 1 - The journey from the stage play "The Stage" to the film adaptation has spanned 10 years, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and audience engagement in performances [1] - Good comedy is rooted in meaningful stories that resonate with the audience, rather than being overtly didactic [1][2] - The cultural depth of comedy is essential, with respect for traditions and details being crucial for creating authentic comedic conflict [2] Group 2 - The transition between various artistic forms, such as film, television, and stage, highlights the unique strengths of each medium while maintaining the core essence of the performance [3] - The concept of "long-termism" in the arts reflects a commitment to quality and tradition, with a focus on meticulous crafting of performances [3] - The importance of audience perception is emphasized, with performers needing to be attuned to audience reactions to refine their craft [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The film "The Stage" marks Chen Peisi's return to the big screen after 32 years, facing competition from other summer releases, leading to a delay in its premiere from July 17 to July 25 [1][2] Group 1: Film Background and Reception - The film is adapted from a highly acclaimed stage play that had 335 performances and a Douban rating of 9.0, creating a dual-edged sword of expectations among audiences [2] - The film's initial reception is influenced by nostalgia for Chen Peisi's past performances, but younger audiences may not be familiar with him, impacting box office performance [12][13] - The film has grossed over 3.5 billion, but its momentum is slowing as it competes with other films like "The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain" and "Nanjing Photo Studio" [1] Group 2: Story and Themes - Set during the warlord era in the Republic of China, the film juxtaposes the chaos of war with the everyday lives of citizens who continue to enjoy traditional performances [2][4] - The narrative explores the absurdity of power dynamics, where an unqualified warlord disrupts a theatrical performance, highlighting the intersection of art and authority [5][6][8] - The film reflects on the struggle between survival and artistic integrity, emphasizing the importance of continuing to perform despite external pressures [7][9] Group 3: Character Development and Artistic Intent - Chen Peisi's character, the troupe leader, embodies the tension between adhering to artistic traditions and the demands of a powerful figure [10][14] - The film's portrayal of characters navigating absurd circumstances serves as a commentary on the broader societal chaos of the time [8][9] - Chen Peisi's return to film is seen as a personal and artistic milestone, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the craft of comedy and theater [15][16]

Core Insights - The report by the China Performance Industry Association and Lighthouse Research Institute indicates a significant growth in the theater industry for the first half of 2025, with a total of 160,500 performances and box office revenue reaching 5.402 billion yuan, attracting 20.55 million audience members, all showing substantial increases compared to the previous year [1][3]. Performance Categories - The drama category continues to dominate, with a 16% increase in performances and a 3% rise in box office revenue. Popular productions include the comedy "Chuma," the drama "Xitai," and the stage play "Tai Bai Jin Xing You Dian Fan" [1][3]. - Stand-up comedy has emerged as the second-largest category, with performances increasing by 54.1% and box office revenue soaring by 134.9%. This growth is attributed to a rise in professional theater tours, which now account for 20.9% of the market [3][5]. - The dance market remains stable, while musical theater saw a 15.1% increase in box office revenue, with "Jinyi Wei Zhi Dao Yu Hua" becoming a phenomenon. The introduction of international classics like "SIX" has also contributed to market diversification [5]. Audience Demographics - Female audience members represent 68.8% of ticket buyers, a slight increase of 0.7% from the previous year, indicating a continued dominance of the "she economy" in consumer behavior. Women are particularly prevalent in musical theater, dance, immersive performances, dramas, and children's plays, while more male audiences are drawn to genres like quyi, acrobatics, concerts, operas, and stand-up comedy [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]

Core Viewpoint - The film "The Stage," directed and starred by Chen Peisi, marks his return to the big screen after over 30 years, showcasing his adaptation to modern filmmaking techniques while maintaining a commitment to the essence of comedy [1][4][5]. Group 1: Film Overview - "The Stage" has grossed over 270 million yuan, with projections nearing 600 million yuan, emerging as a surprise hit in the summer box office despite lacking star power or major IP backing [3][4]. - 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 [1][3]. Group 2: Creative Process - Chen Peisi has prepared an extensive 8-page director's note for the actors, detailing the film's background, style, character development, and the structure of comedy, emphasizing the importance of clarity in their roles [11][12]. - The director's approach involves meticulous attention to detail, including discussions about specific actions, such as which foot a character should step with first, reflecting his commitment to authenticity in performance [17][18]. Group 3: Adaptation to New Technology - The film industry has undergone significant changes, transitioning from film to digital, and Chen Peisi has embraced this evolution, viewing the filming of "The Stage" as a learning process [5][6][15]. - He has expressed a sense of wonder at the rapid advancements in technology, which have transformed the filmmaking landscape [6][15]. Group 4: Artistic Philosophy - Chen Peisi believes that while theater and film are distinct forms, a well-structured play can successfully transition to film, as evidenced by the solid foundation of "The Stage" [7]. - His dedication to comedy stems from a deep-rooted passion for the craft, where he finds excitement in discovering new techniques and building comedic logic through character interactions [14].

Core Insights - The article discusses the film "The Stage" directed by Chen Peisi, which has been highly anticipated after a 32-year wait for his return to cinema [2][50] - The film's release was delayed due to competition from other films that were suddenly moved up in schedule, limiting available screening slots for "The Stage" [3][4] - Despite its artistic value, "The Stage" faces significant competition from films with larger marketing teams and star-studded casts [4][5] Summary by Sections - **Film Background** - "The Stage" is based on a well-received play that has toured extensively, achieving a high rating of 9.2 on Douban and selling out every performance [6] - The narrative reflects the struggles of artists in a chaotic historical context, focusing on the interplay between past and present [7][10] - **Artistic Themes** - The film explores the absurdity of art being manipulated by those in power, showcasing how artists often have to compromise their integrity for survival [26][36] - Characters in the film, such as the male lead Feng Xiaotong, embody the tension between artistic integrity and the demands of authority [41][46] - **Cultural Commentary** - The article draws parallels between the historical context of the film and contemporary issues in the entertainment industry, highlighting the challenges faced by artists today [56][58] - It critiques the current entertainment landscape, where individuals with little understanding of art often dictate terms to creators, reflecting a broader societal issue [56][59] - **Character Analysis** - Feng Xiaotong is portrayed as a resilient character who stands up against authority while also considering the well-being of his troupe [41][42] - The film's antagonist, the warlord, represents the corrupting influence of power on art, as he imposes his will on the theater [55] - **Overall Impact** - "The Stage" serves as a reflection of Chen Peisi's insights into the relationship between individuals and art, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the original play [50][54]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the return of Chen Peisi, a prominent Chinese comedian, to the film industry with his new movie "The Stage," which is adapted from his successful stage play. The film aims to reach a wider audience and continues to explore themes of comedy and human resilience in challenging times [1][2]. Summary by Sections Movie Background - "The Stage" is set to officially release on July 25, 2025, and has already grossed over 500 million yuan during its preview phase as of July 22, 2025 [2]. - The film is based on a stage play that premiered in 2015, which has been performed over 360 times and attracted more than 350,000 viewers [2]. Creative Process - Chen Peisi, at 71, faces the challenges of directing and producing a film in a vastly changed industry, transitioning from film to digital technology [2]. - The film's narrative revolves around a theater troupe in the early Republic of China, dealing with the pressures of war and authority while trying to maintain their art [6]. Themes and Characters - The film features a variety of characters, including a theater manager and a famous opera performer, each representing different responses to the pressures of their environment [6]. - The story emphasizes the importance of theater as a sanctuary for people, with the characters facing moral dilemmas in a chaotic world [7]. Family Legacy - Chen Peisi's son, Chen Dayu, also stars in the film, continuing the family's legacy in comedy. Chen Peisi reflects on the influence of his father, who inspired him to pursue a career in comedy to bring joy to the audience [4][5]. Future Prospects - There are discussions about adapting another play, "Dream," into a film, which Chen Peisi believes is more suitable for cinematic representation due to its grander scale [8]. - Chen Peisi firmly states that traditional sketches cannot be adapted into films due to their structural limitations, emphasizing the need for appropriate content for film adaptation [8].

Core Viewpoint - The film "The Stage," directed and starred by Chen Peisi, is set to release on July 25, 2023, and is adapted from a successful stage play that has been performed over 360 times, attracting more than 350,000 viewers [1][2]. Group 1: Film Overview - "The Stage" tells the story of a Peking opera troupe during the early Republic of China, exploring themes of survival under oppression and the choices made by various characters [1][6]. - The film has already grossed over 500 million yuan during its preview phase, indicating strong initial interest despite competition from other films [2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Legacy - Chen Peisi's career in comedy began in 1979 with the film "Look at This Family," marking a significant moment in post-Cultural Revolution Chinese cinema [4]. - The "Erzi Series," a collaboration between Chen Peisi and his father, Chen Qiang, established a foundation for Chinese comedy films, focusing on father-son dynamics and societal themes [5]. Group 3: Audience Engagement and Future Projects - The film's premiere was attended by notable figures, including Chen Peisi's long-time collaborator Zhu Shimao, who expressed concerns about the film's box office performance [6]. - Chen Peisi is considering adapting another play, "Dream of Awakening," into a film, which may present higher production costs due to its larger scale [9].