'Watch TV' in Taiwan

Tapping into Taiwan's talent pool, the stage drama "Watch TV with Me", which is about life in the Chinese mainland, is set to strike a chord on both sides of the Straits.

The play, a co-operation between Taiwan director Stan Lai and Beijing-based China Central Television, kicked off a three-day run in Taipei on Friday. The show has toured several mainland cities since its premiere last September.

Cast members, including Zhang Jingchu and Lin Yilun, rehearse Stan Lai's play "Watch TV with Me" in Taipei on July 16, 2009. [Photo: CFP]

The seven-act drama incorporates several stories involving both television and everyday people, and explores the social changes in the mainland since the 1980s.

The plot seems to hit home with mainland audiences, based on its box office success and rave reviews from critics.

Taiwan audiences will find some things about the play familiar, including the touch of Stan Lai, the most influential figure in the local theatrical scene. Taiwan stars Ismene Ting and Chih-ying Chu also lend their talents to the production. Jeff Chang, a Taiwan pop star, is in charge of the music.

"Watch TV with Me" is Lai's latest offering following such hits as "Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land" and "That Evening, We Performed Xiangsheng", both of which have been reprised many times in Taiwan and mainland theaters.