Insight into the man behind Qing graft wars
Print Edition
WHILE the anti-corruption TV series “In the Name of People” is all the rage in China, a stage drama featuring an upright official in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) fighting against the whole badly corrupted official circle in the dynasty is also beginning to wow audiences.
“The Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty,” as a new production by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, is part of the Jing’an Modern Drama Valley Festival.
Chen Tingjing, an official who served two emperors in the Qing Dynasty, was not so familiar to most Chinese today except as the main author of the 42-volume Chinese dictionary compiled during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722).
Years ago, the historical novel “The Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty” popularized Chen as an official with wisdom, a kind heart to ordinary people, an iron hand on corruption and an open-mind.
But the seemingly perfect official did not enjoy a perfect life, as playwright Hong Jinghui sees it. Although highly praised for his important work in cleaning up the official circle, Chen was a lonely fighter.
It took the playwright three years to adapt Chen’s character for the stage, as she did not only want to show his ambition and determination, but also his inner world behind his public works.
“The conflicts between Chen and his lover and friends all help to enrich the image of the sentient man who made merciless choices, only to keep his promise of being a good official,” says director Wang Xiaoying.
Apart from “The Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty,” another 17 theatrical productions from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Lithuania, Belgium, France, Britain and Chile will be presented at the Jing’an Modern Drama Valley Festival which kicks off on May 5.
Almost two-thirds of the performances will be making their Chinese debut, offering Shanghai audiences the first glimpse at pieces by leading international troupes.
The highest ticket price is 380 yuan (US$55).
Initiated in 1999, the Jing’an Modern Drama Valley Festival aims to provide a platform reflecting the development of drama in China, says festival director Sun Mengjin.
Although only Shanghai productions from the year of the festival were originally included, the scope has been continuously expanding.
“The Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty”
Date: Through May 7, 7:30pm
Venue: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, 288 Anfu Rd
Tickets: 80-380 yuan
Tel: 6473-0123, 6473-4567
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