Chen Zhongshi's most satisfactory version of "White Deer Plain" has returned to Shanghai, touring 75 cities for nearly 500 shows in 6 years

The Shaanxi People's Art Theatre version of the play "White Deer Plain" has received continuous praise since its premiere, setting a record of 497 tours in 75 cities over the past 6 years.

This is a magnificent epic that records the 50 year changes in the Wei River Plain. In June 1993, writer Chen Zhong vividly portrayed the customs and traditions of the Guanzhong region in his novel "White Deer Plain", which spanned over 500000 words. Since then, novels have been adapted into TV dramas, movies, and stage works multiple times, allowing people to explore the "original" in their hearts in various forms. The Shaanxi People's Art version of "White Deer Plain", which premiered in 2015, was stamped by Chen Zhongshi as the most satisfactory version.

The "White Deer Plain", written by Meng Bing and directed by Hu Zongqi, is about to return to Shanghai and will feature three consecutive performances at the Oriental Art Center on September 23rd and 24th. Shanghai audiences will have the opportunity to once again appreciate the charm of this literary masterpiece adaptation.

Shaanxi People's Art Edition of "White Deer Plain" is Coming to Shanghai Again

The Successful Adaption from Literature to Theatre

The Shaanxi People's Art Theatre "White Deer Plain", which came to Shanghai this time, was exclusively named and supported by Bank of Communications Wealth Management. It started with Bai Jiaxuan's "Cleverly Seeking Feng Shui Land" and went through several twists and turns, ending with a toppling "Renyi White Deer Village" plaque.

"White Deer Plain" still photography by Wang Xufeng

How to adapt novels with linear narrative characteristics into dramatic plays and present them on stage? From novel to drama, "White Deer Plain" continues the original storyline, depicting the changes in the power of the Bai and Lu clans on the Loess Plateau, and showcasing the weathered historical landscape of Chinese society.

"White Deer Plain" still photography by Wang Xufeng

Screenwriter Meng Bing once stated that the drama is his most emotionally charged work, and the desk work he has done is 10 times thicker than the original work. The structure of the story must be faithful to the original work, and conflicts and contradictions must be more tense. The difficulty of adaptation lies in condensing over 500000 words of the original work in just two and a half hours.

In terms of stage presentation, the play "White Deer Plain" is different from the general stage works in terms of starting, ending, turning, and closing, with one scene urgent and one scene slow. Instead, it concentrates multiple dramatic stages together and arranges them in sequence. The plot of cleverly taking feng shui land, maliciously using beauty tricks, filial son becoming a bandit, and the killing of his wife by his own husband are presented on stage one by one.

"White Deer Plain" still photography by Wang Xufeng

Hu Zongqi believes that "what we need to present is the confrontation between different forces on the White Deer Plain, the struggle between desire and patriarchy, and the struggle of individuals against the fate of the times. The work should not only stimulate the audience's senses, but also hit their souls. We need to revive the typical characters on the White Deer Plain on stage, and let their comparison and confrontation shake the audience."

"White Deer Plain" still photography by Wang Xufeng

Dialect Laoqiang Song Team Highlights the Customs of Guanzhong

In the Shaanxi People's Art version of "White Deer Plain", the Shaanxi dialect spoken throughout Taiwan has become the soil for the original work to fully showcase its charm, bringing the audience closer to the place where the story takes place. Dance design incorporates many elements of the era, region, and folk customs, permeating the essence of traditional Guanzhong culture. Whether it is the towering and imposing archway or the majestic and solemn ancestral hall, as the plot progresses, the scenery on stage moves at any time, and the distance and height are freely combined, buying more time for the plot to change.

White Deer Plain Stage Set Photography: Wang Xufeng

The use of "song teams" is a major highlight on stage, highlighting the diverse image of villagers in Guanzhong, Shaanxi. The villagers wore uniform Shaanxi attire, spoke Shaanxi dialect, and sang old tunes with Shaanxi characteristics, showcasing the charm of northern Shaanxi on stage. The orderly arrangement, symmetrical and rhythmic singing of the "song team" adds a sense of rhythm to the stage, highlighting the "song" nature of the song team while depicting the collective nature of the villagers. These mass actors, while participating in the drama, also provide comments and explain events as bystanders and listeners, inspiring the audience to think about the original work and the fate of the characters.

"White Deer Plain" still photography by Wang Xufeng

The song of the entire drama is like a conductor's baton, silently highlighting the fate, inner thoughts, and plot direction of the characters. Especially with the use of old tunes, with a restrained and melancholic tone, the plot reaches its climax with a final step.