A sneak peek at the 9th Nanjing Drama Festival

On March 6, the 9th Nanjing Drama Festival was officially announced at Nanjing Poly Grand Theatre. As a UNESCO City of Literature, Nanjing continues to celebrate theaters' power to tell stories, bridge cultures, and inspire audiences.

Opening Performance: The Book of Life (Sheng Ming Ce)

This year's festival begins on March 8-9 with The Book of Life (Sheng Ming Ce), a stage adaptation of a Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel. Performed by the acclaimed Shaanxi People's Art Theatre, the play follows an ordinary man's journey through life's highs and lows, set against major historical events.

It is the fourth time that Shaanxi People's Art Theatre choose Nanjing to begin its national tour featuring theatre adaptations of Mao Dun Prize-winning works.

A Diverse Lineup of Classic and New Works

From March to October, from revivals of iconic productions to groundbreaking premieres, the festival continues to expand perspectives and spark discussion.

The Annoyance of the Gods (Tai Bai Jin Xing You Dian Fan), another show based on a bestseller delves into the intricate relationships between legendary characters. Directed by Liu Tianchi, this play features Zu Feng and Liu Yang, two prominent actors whose work in film and television has made them familiar faces to many.

Another highlight is the return of Meng Jinghui's classic Rhinoceros in Love, a renowned love story that has captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of modern love and obsession.

The best trio Zhang Guoli, Wang Gang, and Zhang Tielin brings With One Heart (Duan Jin), a production that examines how times of upheaval profoundly impact human relationships.

The festival also showcases a dark comedy of satire, with beloved actors Athena Chu Yan and Law Kar Ying leading the cast of the reputable Mr. Donkey (Lv De Shui) in Cantonese.

Another performance from Hong Kong stars includes Tse Kwan-ho and Ivana Wong in a rendition of the British drama Skylight, which portrays suppressed love on a bitterly cold London evening.

Known for his commanding stage presence, Chen Peisi delivers a heartfelt performance in Stage (Xi Tai), exploring the struggle for survival and artistic expression through turbulent times.

In a beautifully told story of nostalgia and belonging, directors Stan Lai and Wang Weizhong explore themes of community and identity in The Village (Bao Dao Yi Cun), delving into the emotional ties that bind individuals to the places they call home.

A classic murder mystery makes its return with And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie's legendary story reimagined with cutting-edge 4.0 stage design, delivering fresh visual and narrative thrills.

Finally, the much-anticipated Riverside Code at Qingming Festival (Qing Ming Shang He Tu Mi Ma) is a visually stunning suspense drama with a traditional Chinese aesthetic that weaves historical intrigue with thrilling mystery.

Beyond the Performances

This year's festival offers more ways for audiences to engage with theater. The "theatre passport" lets visitors collect stamps and unlock exclusive perks, while cast Q&A and backstage tours provide insights into the creative process.

The festival also continues its engagement with university students, inviting them to experience live drama as part of their cultural education.

The 9th Nanjing Drama Festival is organized by Nanjing Poly Grand Theatre and Nanjing Blue Sky Culture Media. Reflecting on its nine-year journey of growth, the festival aims to continue exploring new paths of innovation and creativity.