cover news reporter Su Yu
"Greed, stinginess and other evil traits are rooted deep in human nature. Although "The Stingy Man" was created more than 300 years ago, its discussion of human nature will never go out of style." Director Lin Cong said, based on the famous French comedy Mo Mo Lie's critical perspective examines modern people's views on money, family and love, which will give the work new vitality.
"The Stingy Man" media meeting. Photo provided by the organizer
html On March 19, a media meeting for Beijing People's Art Theater's first newly scheduled work in 2024, "The Stingy Man", was held. Directors Lin Cong and Yang Jiayin, actors Fu Jia, Wang Jiajun, Li Po and other main creators appeared to interpret a new look of classic "old" stories.Comedy classics once again "innovate and explore"
Interpretation of classical stories from a current perspective
"The Miser" is Molière's masterpiece, which was performed in France in 1668. The play uses comedy to reveal human nature and creates the classic miser image of "Abagon", allowing audiences around the world to appreciate the charm of French classical comedy. As a world-renowned classic, "The Stingy Man" also has a deep connection with Beijing People's Art Theatre. In 1959, the play was staged on the People's Art Stage and was staged again in the 1980s.
Poster for the drama "The Stingy Man". Photo provided by the organizer
"This year coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Rearrangement of "The Stingy Man" is not only another 'innovative exploration' of the classic, but also has important significance for international cultural exchanges and mutual learning." Feng Yuanzheng, director of Beijing People's Art Institute He said that the audience can learn about French culture and experience the exchange and dialogue between the two countries' drama cultures. At the same time, this rehearsal focused on interpreting classical stories from current thoughts and perspectives, which also reflected the enduring vitality of classic works.
Feng Yuanzheng, Director of Beijing People’s Arts. Picture provided by the organizer
Lin Cong said that although this is an ancient story, it is performed for people today, and the thoughts it conveys are what we want to express today.
Ridiculous "mistakes" occur frequently
Restore the performance form of Moliere's era
Lin Cong has directed plays such as "My Poor Marat" and "Farewell My Concubine". Yang Jiayin has participated in "Tea House" and "Under the Red Flag", etc. . The two people who co-directed this time defined this work as an "abnormal comedy" - the creators not only re-dramatized the original work, added a layer of dramatic time and space, but also made bold changes in the presentation method. explore.
According to reports, the play is based on a play performed by a rural theater troupe. The chaotic "accidents" and ridiculous "mistakes" in the performance are used to create a comedy effect. In addition, the character's own personality characteristics have a sense of humor. Make the whole work more interesting. The play uses caravans, wandering troupes and other forms, which not only organically combines with the content of the work, but also restores the performance form of Molière's era.
Fu Jia, who plays Abagong, has left a deep impression on the audience in popular dramas such as "White Deer Plain" and "Birdman" and in film and television works such as "The Legend of Chu Qiao" and "Celebrating More Than Years". He told reporters that this performance was a challenge that was not easy to complete. "We are playing a troupe full of loopholes, and we can't let the audience see that the actors are acting in such a crappy state."
actor Fu Jia. Photo courtesy of the organizer
Breaking the "fourth wall" in drama
Breaking and rebuilding the relationship between audience and performance
How to present comedy on the drama stage? Lin Cong said, "Comedy is difficult to perform. Actors can express themselves on a character basis only when they are relaxed. Each actor needs to be able to fully release themselves in creation and find the rhythm of comedy."
"The ones used this time are still It is a translation that has been used in previous performances by Renyi." Lin Cong said, "The expression of the translated scripts in the past may be far from the current life. Therefore, the most work we do now is to translate what the playwright at that time wanted to convey. Sarcasm and comedy have been transformed into something that the current audience can relate to."
Yang Jiayin said that this performance will break up and rebuild the traditional audience-performance relationship, break the "fourth wall" of the drama, and stimulate "the relationship between the actors and the audience" "Chemical reaction" makes the stage and offstage integrated, "allowing actors to relax and open up their imagination can increase the color of comedy.""
It is reported that the play will be performed at the Beijing International Drama Center Cao Yu Theater on April 19.
