------Part Two: Conflict and Mixing

Source: CCTV.com

08-02-2006 10:20

Intro:

Lizhuang is an old town in Sichuan Province. It's fairly remote, and because of this, in 1940, several central research and educational institutions were relocated there, away from the front line of the war against Japan. Generally, the people of the town accepted the newcomers. But one day, some disturbing news concerning their new neighbours spread across the town. People were horrified. So, what was going on?

The people of Lizhuang were more used to traditional operas featuring princes, generals, high-ranking officials, talented scholars and beautiful ladies. Modern dramas such as 'The Wilderness' and 'Thunderstorm' were quite a revelation to them. But they appeared to enjoy the new productions. They were poor people materially, but at least they were being enriched culturally.

The westward relocation of so many cultural establishments during the war had a beneficial effect for the people of the western regions. They were suddenly exposed to a great dissemination of culture. In Lizhuang, people seized the opportunity, and made enormous cultural progress.

 

Editor:Wang