Through seven dreams, Tianci's journey evolves from a desperate search for answers in the outer world to a deeper, more introspective dialogue, ultimately leading to a quiet reconciliation with his heart.
Nie explains that the play does more than simply adapt the film's narrative. It uses the theater's unique tools to craft a parable-like portrayal of the protagonist's inner world. "The female lead is an especially rich character — a spiritual guide and the protagonist's confidante. Her dual role allows dreams and reality to merge effortlessly," she says.
For Nie, the work asks how we interact with ourselves and, more importantly, our hearts. "Maybe it's as simple as lying in bed each night before sleeping, closing your eyes and spending time with yourself — not with your eyes, but with your heart. Seeing just to see…," she says.
Nie recalls the one line from Tang Danian's script that struck her the most: "Dream, wake. Dream, wake. Dream, wake."
"The words had a strange rhythm, echoing in my mind," she says.
