"If you aim to strike a chord with the audience, you must imbue the lead character with a sense of realism," Ma says.
In the show, Xue is not an omnipotent heroine. She is clever and determined but also vulnerable and feels helpless upon discovering that her father is mentally unwell and her younger brother is imprisoned. Both incidents are orchestrated by her husband, who is compelled to commit these crimes under the orders of a villainous princess, who desires to marry him herself.
"When the audience witnesses the female lead gradually bringing down the villains, they will acclaim the triumph of justice and consequently experience a sense of relief," Ma says, speaking of the successful formula.
China's extensive history and cultural heritage, developed over millennia, has provided a rich source of inspiration for the artists of The Double in designing settings, props and costumes.
In preparation for showcasing the elegant "pearl makeup" inspired by Song Dynasty fashion, the production team researched historical and archival materials, including portraits of empresses from the reigns of emperors Huizong and Qinzong of the Song Dynasty, as well as works by renowned Song Dynasty painters like Liu Songnian and Zhao Boju.
