Old-fashioned values give play enduring appeal

Old-fashioned Comedy is a significant work by the Russian writer Aleksei Arbuzov and is often regarded as a masterpiece from his later years.

In 2019, the Beijing People's Art Theatre adapted the work into a Chinese play of the same title, and since its premiere, the play has garnered widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics.

Old-fashioned Comedy is being staged until Aug 25 for the fifth round, bringing forth a story of love, loss, and the emotional complexities of aging.

Set in a seaside sanatorium in Riga, the capital of Latvia, the 1970s, the play follows the slow-blooming relationship between two elderly residents played by veteran actor Li Youbin and actress Shi Lanya, both scarred by the traumatic memories of war.

Through a series of profound conversations, their contrasting personalities — his stern, rigid demeanor and her lively, passionate nature — gradually give way to a deeper, unexpected connection. What begins as mutual disdain transforms into a tender, late-life romance, reflecting the universal questions about love in the later stages of life.

Apart from the occasional costume change, the two actors, a couple in real life, remain on stage throughout, with no dramatic external conflicts. Instead, the power of the play comes from the emotional currents that build beneath the surface of everyday dialogue. The contrast between the two characters creates comedic moments that brighten their evolving relationship, making the elderly couple's romance both charming and poignant.

"Although it's not a Chinese story, its emotional resonance is universal, and the audience connects with the feelings, which is what makes the script so powerful," said Shi, 54.

Lead actor Li, 67, said: "The play's enduring appeal lies not only in its emotional depth but also in its ability to bridge cultural and temporal gaps, offering viewers a poignant reflection on the human condition.

"It provides audiences with an experience that transcends time and geography, making them reflect on love, loneliness, and the profound impact of personal stories."