Though most of his works have been interpreted on stage or in film, the most famous novel, of author Lao She (1899-1966), "Beneath the Red Banner," has only now come to the stage, more than thirty years after the author was driven to suicide during the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976).
Lao's novel, unfinished at the time of his death, is being brought to the stage of the Shanghai Drama Arts Center.
"Lao She was the Mark Twain of China," said Zha Lifang, director of the play.
"Each of his novels or plays is a 'how to do it' textbook for budding writers," said Yang Shaolin, president of the troupe. "We've spared no effort to produce this version because we want to pay tribute to the literary giant."
The novel has been adapted for the stage by Li Longyun, a renowned Beijing playwright.
"I read the story in 1978, when I was still a college freshman," said the 52-year-old. "I was delighted by the language and vivid portrayal of characters, but never expected that I would develop it into a drama 20 years later."
But when accomplished Chinese actor Yu Shizhi persuaded him to do the job, a number of theaters expressed an interest in staging the drama. However, Li decided to cooperate with the Shanghai Drama Arts Center because, he said, "The actors are dedicated to their profession, and are very serious about the play."
Lao She was originally named Shu Qinchun, and his pseudonym is also translated as Lau Shaw. He was born of Manchu descent in Beijing. His father, a soldier, died in a street battle during the Boxer Rebellion (1900). Lao endured an impoverished childhood and worked his way through four years at Peking Normal College.
Among the many works Lao created are the important "Tea House," "Rickshaw Boy," "Four Generations Under One Roof" and "Divorce."
When he was 25 years old, he traveled to the United States, returning just before the founding of the People's Republic in 1949.
"He had unusual insight into the subtle nuances of people," said Zha Lifang. "He saw humor in the everyday experiences of life. He could laugh at himself and get points across with humor, often tinted with his own brand of satire."
"Beneath the Red Banner" offers a complex emotional portrayal of the lifestyles of the Manchurians in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and is often autobiographical in nature. According to his wife, Hu Jieqing, who is now 95 years old, Lao started to write the novel in his early 30s.
"He wrote his life into the novel," said Hu. "He had planned to develop it into a vast picture but endless government persecution forced him to give up - and kill himself."
(eastday.com 01/05/2001)
