Sunrise by Beijing People's Art Theatre

Sunrise, one of CAO Yu’s most iconic works, is celebrated for its complex character portrayal, deep societal critique, and profound empathy toward human suffering. In 2021, FENG Yuanzheng’s new production of Sunrise premiered, bringing fresh vitality to this classic through innovative stage direction. The adaptation delves deeply into the original text, focusing on the nuanced interpretation of key characters, especially highlighting the “final straw” that breaks the character CHEN Bailu. The use of digital imagery on stage allows light and shadow to shift seamlessly between two performance spaces, merging characters from different time periods and creating a multi-dimensional theatrical experience.