Looking ahead

Legends passed down from ancient times have been endless sources of inspiration for Chinese dramas, and directors are seeking new ways to tell these stories.

Employing physical theater, Nanjing Drama Troupe from Jiangsu province staged the local legend of Mochou, a young woman who drowned herself for love-or, more accurately, because of the feudalistic oppression of the time.

The final production is entitled Free From Melancholy.

The experimental drama has been invited to attend and perform at theater festivals in countries from Germany to Singapore.

With a minimalistic mise en scene, almost all settings and props-such as a boat floating on water, tree branches and the stones along the protagonist's escape route, and even the candles flickering in a chamber-are presented by actors in black, tightfitting costumes.

The actor who performed the role of the male protagonist's mother, for example, also depicted a goose and formed half of a boat.

In fact, the seven performers altogether acted as more than 30 characters, roles and objects.

All three of these productions were shown under the festival's "lake" section, which sought to highlight experimental works, provide opportunities to young theater practitioners, and applaud diversity and innovation.