Veteran actor-director Pu Cunxin plays Lao She in the stage production. His role helps the audience immerse themselves in the world of Beneath the Red Banner and takes them back to old Beijing. The final piece of dialogue was written by Pu, and reflects both the world of Lao She as well as the actor's own interpretation of the story.

"When the Beijing People's Art Theatre was born over 70 years ago, we adapted many works by Lao She, including one of our most classic and popular productions, Teahouse. We will continue to bring the great writer's works alive onstage to maintain our tradition," Feng says.

During the annual review of the theater's performance on Jan 30, Feng said that 2023 was very "special" for the performing arts scene, for being the year after the pandemic.

Last year, the Beijing People's Art Theatre put on 503 performances of 35 theatrical productions, including 11 new stage productions. Over 250,000 people attended performances.

He also spoke of some of the highlights of the 2024 schedule, from new stage productions to public events.

For example, the theater will present a new adaptation of The Miser, a five-act comedy by Moliere. Directed by Lin Cong, the Chinese version was well received when it was introduced to the audience during a script reading. The play will be staged to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

In October and November, some of the theater's principal artists will go to Shanghai to participate in the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, taking with them five productions, including Teahouse, Sunrise and Du Fu.