Source: CCTV.com

05-05-2009 09:04

Published in 1958, the novel "Song of Youth" is a patriotic tale about Lin Daojing, who was called into the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the 1930s. It became a classic in Chinese red literature, being translated into 20 languages and with five million copies published. The story has been made into an opera which debuted during the weekend to mark the 90th anniversary of the May 4th Movement.

The literature has influenced generations of Chinese since its publication. Given its huge popularity among Chinese readers, the novel's crossover into a theatrical production demanded elaborate attention to both the casting and adaptation.

The story has been made into an opera which debuted during the weekend to mark the 90th anniversary of the May 4th Movement.

Jin Man, winner of the premier Plum Awards, takes the mantle as the leading heroine, Lin Daojing. Chinese tenor Dai Yuqiang plays Lu Jiachun, Lin's mentor and role model. Chi Liming from Shanghai plays the second male lead.

Wang Liangbo from the Central Academy of Drama takes the directorial chair, and Tang Jianping from the Central Academy of Music was put in charge of composition. Though it's deemed as largely a mainstream story, the opera is being brought to life with lively and passionate music, designed to suit a younger audience.

Students from Peking University have also been awarded roles in the opera.

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Editor:Zhao Yanchen