(L-R) Cast members Gao Hu, Qin Hailu, Hu Jingfan and Xin Baiqing pose at a press conference promoting the upcoming drama adaptation of Eileen Chang's novel, Red Rose and White Rose, on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.

If you appreciate Ang Lee's new film, Lust, Caution, you should thank Eileen Chang, whose novel of the same name inspired the award-winning film.

Another one of Chang's best-known works, Red Rose and White Rose, is now being altered for the stage by theatrical director Tian Qinxin, a Wednesday press conference announced.

Red Rose and White Rose is about a man named Zhenbao, who is married to a quiet lady (White Rose) but is drawn to another married woman (Red Rose).

A film adaptation of the novel was made in 1994 by acclaimed Hong Kong director Stanley Kwan.

According to the cast list unveiled on Wednesday, the dramatic role of Zhenbao will be shared by Xin Baiqing and Gao Hu. The former portrays Zhenbao's public persona, while the latter looks at his struggling inner ego.

White Rose will be played by actress Hu Jingfan while Golden Horse Award winner Qin Hailu will play Red Rose.

Qin says she is trying to put a different spin on the version of Red Rose depicted in Stanley Kwan's film, which won Joan Chen a best actress award at the 1994 Golden Horse Awards.

The play is scheduled to debut at the National Grand Theater in Beijing on January 8.
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(CRI November 16, 2007)