Core Viewpoint - The revival of the play "Du Fu" by the Beijing People's Art Theatre, alongside "Li Bai," highlights the enduring significance of these historical literary figures and their impact on Chinese culture, marking a creative journey that spans over 30 years [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - The backdrop of the plays is the An Lushan Rebellion, which significantly altered the fate of the Tang Dynasty, providing a poignant context for the narratives of Li Bai and Du Fu [2]. - The stories focus on the later lives of Li Bai and Du Fu, exploring themes of identity and existential questions amid the turmoil of their times [2]. Group 2: Character Analysis - "Li Bai" emphasizes the strong, self-centered personality of the poet, while "Du Fu" portrays a more complex character struggling with societal challenges, reflecting their respective poetic styles and personal experiences [2][3]. - The creators aim to convey the essence of historical figures, with "Li Bai" showcasing individualistic traits and "Du Fu" highlighting the realities of life, aligning with their poetic expressions [2]. Group 3: Artistic Interpretation - The plays represent contrasting states of being: "Li Bai" embodies a sense of self ("I") while "Du Fu" reflects a more collective experience ("no self"), prompting deeper reflection on the relationship between these states [3]. - The artistic journey from "Li Bai" to "Du Fu" illustrates a maturation in storytelling, with "Du Fu" being perceived as more challenging to write due to its nuanced portrayal of human experiences [2][3]. Group 4: Cultural Significance - Both plays serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization, emphasizing the unique aesthetic and poetic spirit inherent in historical literary dramas [3]. - The performances resonate with audiences, bridging historical narratives with contemporary emotional connections, thus enriching the cultural landscape [3].

Core Viewpoint - The play "Du Fu" presents a unique portrayal of the poet Du Fu, emphasizing his life experiences and the historical context of his poetry, allowing audiences to engage with the emotional depth and cultural significance of his work [1][2][8]. Group 1: Play Overview - "Du Fu" premiered in 2019 and is a historical drama focusing on the poet's life during the An Lushan Rebellion, highlighting his struggles and relationships with contemporaries like Li Bai and Gao Shi [2]. - The narrative explores Du Fu's journey from a promising start to a life marked by political setbacks and personal hardships, reflecting his deep compassion for the suffering of the people [2][3]. - The play aims to present Du Fu not only as a great poet but also as a relatable human being, showcasing his noble spirit amidst life's challenges [2][3]. Group 2: Artistic Expression - The production incorporates innovative aesthetic expressions, blending romantic poetry with realistic portrayals of Du Fu's life, creating a multi-layered narrative experience [5][6]. - The set design features modern elements that enhance the traditional themes, allowing for a dynamic representation of various scenes from Du Fu's life and poetry [6]. - The creative team strives to balance classical and modern elements in the script, direction, performance, and stage design, aiming to capture the essence of Du Fu's cultural significance [6]. Group 3: Audience Engagement - Since its premiere, "Du Fu" has been well-received, with multiple revivals and a growing audience, indicating its lasting appeal and relevance [7]. - The play invites viewers to reflect on the turbulent historical period of Du Fu's life while experiencing the power and beauty of his poetry [3][4].

Core Points - The 10th China Original Drama Invitation Exhibition opened at the National Theatre, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, showcasing the importance of original drama and its resonance with contemporary society [1][2][3] - The exhibition features a theme of "Original Drama, Resonance with the Times," with innovative formats including three core sections: "Beijing Main Unit," "Leshan Performance Month," and "University Performance Month" [2][3] - Over the past decade, the exhibition has seen participation from 124 performing groups, 238 productions, and an audience of over 3.6 million, establishing itself as a significant cultural brand in China [3] Event Highlights - The opening performance featured the classic drama "The Big House," which has been well-received across the country, condensing a lengthy television series into a two-and-a-half-hour stage performance [3][4] - Other notable performances include "Spring Passing," "Tree Soul," "Like a Song," and various original works from different regions, showcasing the diversity of contemporary Chinese drama [4][6] - The exhibition will also include a "10th Anniversary Poster Retrospective" to celebrate past achievements and artistic milestones [6] Leshan Performance Month - For the first time, the exhibition will extend beyond Beijing to include a "Leshan Performance Month," highlighting the city's cultural significance and tourism appeal [7][8] - The event will feature performances from various productions, including "Four Generations Under One Roof" and "The Amazing You," among others, scheduled to take place in multiple venues in Leshan [7][8] University Performance Month - A special "University Performance Month" aims to integrate cultural resources with educational institutions, enhancing collaboration between universities and the drama industry [11] - The month will feature performances from the Central Academy of Drama and other institutions, promoting the cultivation of new talent in the field of drama [11] Community Engagement - The exhibition will include student-focused performances and community outreach activities, ensuring accessibility and engagement with the broader public [10][9] - The "West City Model" has been highlighted as a successful collaboration between the West City District and the National Theatre, promoting cultural development and community involvement [9]