As a Chinese saying goes, one may be content with but one friend whose heart he knows. Friendship seems to be one of the eternal topics in people's lives, and in art work as well. The latest drama produced by the prestigious Beijing People's Art Theater discusses the topic and expands it to a deeper perspective.
Titled "Confidant", this is the theater's first play with pure Qing Dynasty style costumes and stage settings.
The story depicts scholar Wu Zhaoqian, who was condemned for cheating in the imperial examination and was exiled to the northeast. His bosom friend, and another gifted scholar, Gu Zhenguan, cast himself in the prime minister's house as a teacher. There he dedicated himself to saving Wu. Decades passed and Wu was finally freed. To Gu's surprise and disappointment, Wu had totally changed and degenerated to a boorish and snobbishly bitter person.
Facing the fateful shock, Gu chose not to blame Wu, but leave the place forever. According to the playwright Guo Qihong, it is exactly the theme he wants to depict.
Guo said, "I would like to praise the sense of tolerance and generosity through the play. Facing the dissimilation of the past confidant, Gu chooses to forgive him with a big heart. I spent nearly 30 years preparing this drama, and I still can feel the impulse when I first read the historical records. I hope the audiences can be touched by my devotion."
For the performers, the play is challenging because of its classical Chinese dialogue and rather simple stage setting. Yet the actors Feng Yuanzheng, Zhang Zhizhong, and Wang Lei prove that Beijing People's Art Theater is still a most worth-while theater to enjoy dramas.
"Confidant" is being presented at the Capital Theater until May 7.
(CCTV April 29, 2009)
