Mr. Tang’s dialect‑based rendition of the “Four Dreams of Linchuan” was presented in grand style at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Stills from the local‑dialect version of “The Four Dreams of Linchuan”

 

 

Stills from the local‑dialect version of “The Four Dreams of Linchuan”

 

 

The hometown‑dialect version of “The Four Dreams of Linchuan” at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

 

　　People’s Daily Online, Beijing, October 17 — On the evening of the 16th, the Xiangyin–style (Xuhe Gaocang) production of “The Four Dreams of Linchuan” was staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts’ Drama Theatre, with the performance lasting nearly three hours.

 

　　This year marks the 400th anniversary of the passing of Tang Xianzu, the great dramatist and literary figure of China’s Ming Dynasty. To honor this towering literary master, Tang Xianzu’s hometown—Fuzhou City in Jiangxi Province—has specially commissioned a production of the “Linchuan Four Dreams,” adapted by Cao Lusheng, a professor at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and directed by Tong Weiwei, a renowned director of the Shanghai Yue Opera Troupe. The cast features celebrated national first‑class actors such as Yu Wenhua, Chen Li, and Wu Lan. For the first time, this version brings together Tang Xianzu’s four celebrated plays—“The Peony Pavilion,” “The Jade Hairpin,” “The Story of Handan,” and “The Dream of the South Tree”—into a single unified work. It also introduces the author himself into the narrative, tracing his tumultuous journey through the imperial examination system and officialdom, and exploring his profound yearning for “love” and “dreams.” Through him, the “Four Dreams” are woven into a cohesive whole: each stands as an independent chapter yet remains intimately connected to the overarching thread of Tang Xianzu’s life and art. The production offers a comprehensive portrayal of his intellectual outlook, inner journey, creative fervor, and unyielding aspirations. To preserve its classical essence, the libretto largely retains the original texts, while the vocal style draws on the ancient Xuhe Gaoqiang tradition. The stage design seamlessly blends Ming‑style furniture with contemporary spatial elements; the music fuses classical melodies with modern symphonic textures; and the costumes reinterpret Ming‑era attire in a fashion‑forward manner. Cutting‑edge lighting further enhances the work’s imaginative, dreamlike atmosphere.

 

　　Its unique artistic charm and rich local flavor have repeatedly earned the audience’s applause. Wen Hegeng, a Ph.D. in Management from Tsinghua University, said in an interview: “To be able to enjoy a play from my hometown on the National Centre for the Performing Arts—the country’s premier stage—fills me with immense pride. Every word resonated deeply and felt profoundly familiar. Moving forward, I will work even harder to promote Linchuan culture and expand its influence.” Beijing audience member Chen Xuan remarked that she had previously only studied Tang Xianzu’s “Four Dreams of Linchuan” and Linchuan culture in her textbooks. This time, witnessing the performance live left her thoroughly moved, allowing her to experience firsthand the profound depth and captivating allure of Linchuan culture.

 

　　It is understood that, in order to deliver a flawless stage production and fully showcase the extraordinary allure of “The Four Dreams of Linchuan,” the cast and crew have been tirelessly rehearsing, revising, and fine-tuning since the 5th of this month. Wu Lan, a national first-class actor who portrays Du Liniang in the play, said: “The National Centre for the Performing Arts is the pinnacle of artistic performance in China, where standards of quality and artistic excellence are exceptionally stringent. At every rehearsal, we make adjustments, striving for perfection—meticulously refining every note and every phrase to leave no room for regret—so as to further enhance the renown and influence of Linchuan culture.”

 

　　It is also learned that the play will be staged at Tsinghua University on the 18th and at Peking University on the 20th of this month.