The Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing opened an exhibition titled “My Life” on March 21, which showcases the life and works of Stan Lai Sheng-chuan, a well-known director and playwright. The exhibition will run until May 21, allowing visitors to explore Lai’s decades-long career and his contribution to the world of theater.
The exhibition brings together various items from Lai’s life, including his handwritten scripts, notes, and old photographs of himself and his theater members during the 1980s. Additionally, it displays photos of his famous theatrical productions, such as Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land, The Village, and One One Zero Eight. These items give visitors a glimpse into Lai’s creative process and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing a production to life.
Lai, who was born in the US and is currently based in Taiwan, studied dramatic art at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1983, he received his PhD and returned to Taiwan. A year later, he directed his first play, We All Grew Up This Way, and co-founded a theater called Performance Workshop. Since then, Lai has produced about 50 theatricalh productions.
In 2013, Lai co-founded the Wuzhen Theatre Festival, which aims to promote Chinese theater and provide a platform for emerging artists. Two years later, he created Theatre Above, a 700-seat venue in Shanghai that showcases his works exclusively. These initiatives demonstrate Lai’s commitment to fostering the growth of theater in China and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talent.
The exhibition highlights one of Lai’s most famous plays, Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land. Premiering in 1986, the play is still being performed worldwide. The exhibition displays two iconic stage sets from the play: a large swing and a pink-flowered peach tree. These sets give visitors a glimpse into the play’s imaginative and visually stunning world, which has captivated audiences for decades.
The “My Life” exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Lai’s life and career, showcasing his creative process and the impact he has had on theater in China and beyond. Visitors can learn about Lai’s achievements and contributions, while also enjoying an immersive experience that brings his works to life. The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in theater and the arts.
Adjacent to the swing, an old TV stands displaying various photographs of performances of the play throughout different eras. Additionally, the exhibition features the original recording of the 1986 premiere of the play.
Lai’s notes on his life in theater, which he has been sharing on his Sina Weibo account since 2017, are also on display in the exhibition. Currently, he has shared over 700 notes.
Lai expressed his thoughts on his latest Sina Weibo note, dated March 19, regarding the performance of “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land,” which has been staged at Theatre Above for weeks. He stated that the play may become an in-house performance, much like a Broadway show.
The exhibition also showcases the real-life context behind some of Lai’s most acclaimed plays, such as “The Village,” which depicts the poignant tales of individuals residing in Taiwan’s military cantonments.
The “juan cun” in Chinese, or “villages for dependents,” were intended to serve as temporary housing for the families of Kuomintang soldiers who retreated from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan after the civil war. However, due to the cessation of cross-straits relations, these villages turned into permanent settlements. The residents of these villages hailed from various parts of the mainland and lived together for many years, navigating cultural and linguistic differences while striving to maintain their own customs and original identities.
At the exhibition, attendees have the opportunity to learn more about Lai’s life and his contribution to the theater. The TV displaying photographs from various performances throughout the years offers an excellent glimpse into the evolution of his work.
In addition, Lai’s notes provide a personal insight into his creative process, as he shares his thoughts on the development and staging of his plays. The exhibition offers a chance to delve deeper into Lai’s world and understand how his experiences have influenced his works.
Overall, the exhibition celebrates the life and work of Lai Shengchuan, showcasing his talent and creativity, while also offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about the historical context behind some of his most celebrated works.
Adjacent to the swing, an old TV stands displaying various photographs of performances of the play throughout different eras. Additionally, the exhibition features the original recording of the 1986 premiere of the play.
Lai’s notes on his life in theater, which he has been sharing on his Sina Weibo account since 2017, are also on display in the exhibition. Currently, he has shared over 700 notes.
Lai expressed his thoughts on his latest Sina Weibo note, dated March 19, regarding the performance of “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land,” which has been staged at Theatre Above for weeks. He stated that the play may become an in-house performance, much like a Broadway show.
The exhibition also showcases the real-life context behind some of Lai’s most acclaimed plays, such as “The Village,” which depicts the poignant tales of individuals residing in Taiwan’s military cantonments.
The “juan cun” in Chinese, or “villages for dependents,” were intended to serve as temporary housing for the families of Kuomintang soldiers who retreated from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan after the civil war. However, due to the cessation of cross-straits relations, these villages turned into permanent settlements. The residents of these villages hailed from various parts of the mainland and lived together for many years, navigating cultural and linguistic differences while striving to maintain their own customs and original identities.
At the exhibition, attendees have the opportunity to learn more about Lai’s life and his contribution to the theater. The TV displaying photographs from various performances throughout the years offers an excellent glimpse into the evolution of his work.
In addition, Lai’s notes provide a personal insight into his creative process, as he shares his thoughts on the development and staging of his plays. The exhibition offers a chance to delve deeper into Lai’s world and understand how his experiences have influenced his works.
Overall, the exhibition celebrates the life and work of Lai Shengchuan, showcasing his talent and creativity, while also offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about the historical context behind some of his most celebrated works.
The Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing opened an exhibition titled “My Life” on March 21, which showcases the life and works of Stan Lai Sheng-chuan, a well-known director and playwright. The exhibition will run until May 21, allowing visitors to explore Lai’s decades-long career and his contribution to the world of theater.
The exhibition brings together various items from Lai’s life, including his handwritten scripts, notes, and old photographs of himself and his theater members during the 1980s. Additionally, it displays photos of his famous theatrical productions, such as Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land, The Village, and One One Zero Eight. These items give visitors a glimpse into Lai’s creative process and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing a production to life.
Lai, who was born in the US and is currently based in Taiwan, studied dramatic art at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1983, he received his PhD and returned to Taiwan. A year later, he directed his first play, We All Grew Up This Way, and co-founded a theater called Performance Workshop. Since then, Lai has produced about 50 theatrical productions.
In 2013, Lai co-founded the Wuzhen Theatre Festival, which aims to promote Chinese theater and provide a platform for emerging artists. Two years later, he created Theatre Above, a 700-seat venue in Shanghai that showcases his works exclusively. These initiatives demonstrate Lai’s commitment to fostering the growth of theater in China and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talent.
The exhibition highlights one of Lai’s most famous plays, Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land. Premiering in 1986, the play is still being performed worldwide. The exhibition displays two iconic stage sets from the play: a large swing and a pink-flowered peach tree. These sets give visitors a glimpse into the play’s imaginative and visually stunning world, which has captivated audiences for decades.
The “My Life” exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Lai’s life and career, showcasing his creative process and the impact he has had on theater in China and beyond. Visitors can learn about Lai’s achievements and contributions, while also enjoying an immersive experience that brings his works to life. The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in theater and the arts.
Adjacent to the swing, an old TV stands displaying various photographs of performances of the play throughout different eras. Additionally, the exhibition features the original recording of the 1986 premiere of the play.
Lai’s notes on his life in theater, which he has been sharing on his Sina Weibo account since 2017, are also on display in the exhibition. Currently, he has shared over 700 notes.
Lai expressed his thoughts on his latest Sina Weibo note, dated March 19, regarding the performance of “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land,” which has been staged at Theatre Above for weeks. He stated that the play may become an in-house performance, much like a Broadway show.
The exhibition also showcases the real-life context behind some of Lai’s most acclaimed plays, such as “The Village,” which depicts the poignant tales of individuals residing in Taiwan’s military cantonments.
The “juan cun” in Chinese, or “villages for dependents,” were intended to serve as temporary housing for the families of Kuomintang soldiers who retreated from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan after the civil war. However, due to the cessation of cross-straits relations, these villages turned into permanent settlements. The residents of these villages hailed from various parts of the mainland and lived together for many years, navigating cultural and linguistic differences while striving to maintain their own customs and original identities.
At the exhibition, attendees have the opportunity to learn more about Lai’s life and his contribution to the theater. The TV displaying photographs from various performances throughout the years offers an excellent glimpse into the evolution of his work.
In addition, Lai’s notes provide a personal insight into his creative process, as he shares his thoughts on the development and staging of his plays. The exhibition offers a chance to delve deeper into Lai’s world and understand how his experiences have influenced his works.
Overall, the exhibition celebrates the life and work of Lai Shengchuan, showcasing his talent and creativity, while also offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about the historical context behind some of his most celebrated works.
Adjacent to the swing, an old TV stands displaying various photographs of performances of the play throughout different eras. Additionally, the exhibition features the original recording of the 1986 premiere of the play.
Lai’s notes on his life in theater, which he has been sharing on his Sina Weibo account since 2017, are also on display in the exhibition. Currently, he has shared over 700 notes.
Lai expressed his thoughts on his latest Sina Weibo note, dated March 19, regarding the performance of “Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land,” which has been staged at Theatre Above for weeks. He stated that the play may become an in-house performance, much like a Broadway show.
The exhibition also showcases the real-life context behind some of Lai’s most acclaimed plays, such as “The Village,” which depicts the poignant tales of individuals residing in Taiwan’s military cantonments.
The “juan cun” in Chinese, or “villages for dependents,” were intended to serve as temporary housing for the families of Kuomintang soldiers who retreated from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan after the civil war. However, due to the cessation of cross-straits relations, these villages turned into permanent settlements. The residents of these villages hailed from various parts of the mainland and lived together for many years, navigating cultural and linguistic differences while striving to maintain their own customs and original identities.
At the exhibition, attendees have the opportunity to learn more about Lai’s life and his contribution to the theater. The TV displaying photographs from various performances throughout the years offers an excellent glimpse into the evolution of his work.
In addition, Lai’s notes provide a personal insight into his creative process, as he shares his thoughts on the development and staging of his plays. The exhibition offers a chance to delve deeper into Lai’s world and understand how his experiences have influenced his works.
Overall, the exhibition celebrates the life and work of Lai Shengchuan, showcasing his talent and creativity, while also offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about the historical context behind some of his most celebrated works.
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