Iconic play returns to stage

One of the most iconic pieces of contemporary Chinese theater, To Be Continued returned for a special three-day performance to mark 20 years since it was written, and 18 years since its debut. The event was the beginning of a yearlong national tour.

This unforgettable celebration of theater and artistic evolution was staged at Beijing's Juyin Theater between Jan 16 and 18. But this wasn't just another revival — it was a journey through time, growth and the power of performance, as the show opened a new chapter in the form of a unique performance creation workshop.

Led by director Huang Ying, 10 talented young actors, selected from over 200 applicants, underwent rigorous training over the course of a month under his mentorship and that of original cast members, including Cao Yuanyuan, Zhang Xiao and Liu Zhengzhi. The result was a powerful experience that allowed these rising stars to demonstrate their potential, while giving the audience the chance to experience the play in a fresh light.

To Be Continued revolves around a 28-year-old woman named Molly, who confronts the Grim Reaper four times on her final day before death.

"As the play celebrates two decades since its inception, I decided to choose a different path to traditional commercial performances. Rather than presenting another mainstream production, I set up this performance creation workshop, a space for young actors to hone their craft in a free, open environment," says the 47-year-old director, who drained his own savings to fund the 2009 premiere, a testament to his unwavering belief in his work. He is now an associate professor at the Beijing Film Academy.

The culmination of the workshop was a performance that was both a final exam for the participants and a reflection of the evolution of the play. The program also paid homage to the 29 actors who have been part of its history, chronicling its transformation over the past 18 years.