Theater history comes alive with livestreaming

These unusual tour guides elucidated the stories behind the exhibits. For example, actor Feng Yuanzheng told of the story of an old typewriter used by a classic actress Shu Xiuwen, who performed the role of a typist in the play Man with a Gun.

"Even though she didn't have a single line in the play, she was able to adjust the rhythm of her typing according to the development of the plot and accentuate the mood. Only great actors can utilize their acting in such a skillful way," Feng says.

Because the theater had limited funding when it was first established, many of the props were handmade by the crew, such as a military coat made from gunny sacks and pottery that is actually made from paper.

Chen Li, an associate researcher at the museum, showcased a few artifacts that are not usually on public display, including a journal written by veteran actor Zheng Rong in the 1950s, and an original manuscript submitted by renowned writer Shen Congwen to the theater.

After the tour, Feng led the camera to a rehearsal room, where Pu was giving a lecture in front of a laptop. Although COVID-19 severely impeded the performing arts industries, the theater is, in this way, continuing to train young performers.

According to Feng, the theater has so far organized six acting programs to train young actors and actresses, and two cooperative programs with the Central Academy of Drama, the graduates of which continue to thrive in the industry.

As the theater is undergoing an expansion project due to be completed in 2021, it is in need of a greater talent resource and began a new session of training courses last December. This one-year program adopts a novel format, as the trainees are already graduates of drama schools or professional actors.

"We have had to transfer to online teaching, as this training opportunity is very rare and valuable for these performers," Feng says. "Our theater is very knowledge-oriented. The actors need to continuously learn and read. Gaining knowledge is a life-long project."