Chapter 004: Fulfillment of the Vow Task

You must have heard of Mr. Bai Xianyong's youthful version of "The Peony Pavilion"

In such an environment, a person's sense of shame, self-esteem, and competitive spirit will erupt, compelling them to think, ponder, research, read the script repeatedly, and watch classic versions over and over again

The wish fulfillment task has been completed

In fact, if one were to look up the list of actors associated with the National Theatre and the People's Art Theatre, one would find that many talented and skilled film and television stars are surprisingly included.

What level is the master-level performance of Zhou Chong? Ji Ming does not know. He can only continue to improve until the koi can judge for itself

Of course

Wang Lei, the actor portraying the character in Group A, has a somewhat baby-faced appearance, yet he is already 35 years old

Ji Ming had not gone far when he was called back by Teacher Chen with a phone call

However, she is likely to miscalculate, her ambitions are too high, starting with "Thunderstorm." It is estimated that she has put a lot of thought into selecting the role of Zhou Chong. Tian Yihe smirked slightly and said, "Do you think it is so simple for the two of us to perform? Once he steps on stage, he will understand the gravity of the situation. Youth, huh? Hey, Wang Ge, how about we make a bet?

What can be encountered cannot be sought after

Everyone has done solid work and reflection

Zhou Shaohong, as one of the directors, is responsible for the youth version of "Thunderstorm"—and is also part of Group C

Ji Ming casually listened until the end of the conference, during which Zhou Shaohong introduced him to two teachers

A drama typically consists of Group A and Group B, where Group A comprises the main actors and serves as the face of the production. Group B acts as the backup and is also responsible for taking the lead in secondary tours. Of course, for some important productions, there is also a Group C arrangement, which serves three purposes: first, to provide an additional layer of insurance; second, to create another team for revenue generation; and third, to create more opportunities for talent development.

After the meeting on the third day concluded, Ji Ming let out a long sigh and, while stretching lazily, heard the sound of the koi fish

"When you have time, you can go and watch the performances of the two teachers more often to learn a bit," said Zhou Shaohong, although she believed in her heart that Ji Ming's level was not inferior to that of Tian Yihe.

Some say that Zhou Chong is a self-portrait of Mr. Cao Yu. In writing this play, he is actually searching for that expanse of sea in the realm of thought, where the wind blows, slightly salty, yet vast and boundless, with infinite freedom

However, even with the help of the koi, he did not quickly enter this realm

Zhou Shaohong finally revealed a smile. Although opportunities are rare, in today's world, traffic is king. Many young students dream of becoming an overnight sensation, gaining countless fans and skyrocketing their worth. The serious art of drama requires years of hard work and enduring criticism of one's acting skills before it becomes a consideration. Many top-tier popular actors later choose to gain experience in stage plays and dramas.

With the fate of a koi fish, how could it be anything but good

Wang Lei shook his head with a smile, not agreeing.

Ji Ming is experiencing this kind of discussion for the first time

Is it possible to negotiate regarding the matter of smashing the sign

Compared to the grand conference at the theater, Zhou Shaohong's small meeting is more meaningful

The first meeting was a grand assembly. In addition to a few star-level celebrities, the heavyweight actors from the institution and the vast majority of the cast were present. All the important figures were also in attendance, which demonstrates the significance that the National Theatre places on "Thunderstorm"

Zhou Chongtian Yihe from Group B, a graduate of Beidian, is 28 years old this year. He is not from the National Theatre, but is borrowed from a local theatre.

The actors also occasionally participate, fully expressing their understanding of the characters without reservation

"If there is anything you do not understand, feel free to ask." Tian Yihe said with a bright smile

"Although 'Thunderstorm' is not entirely the same as 'Peony Pavilion', the theater also hopes to explore ways to attract young people to the theater. Therefore, this Group C youth version will primarily feature young and middle-aged actors. Additionally, considerations will be given to factors such as appearance and physique—of course, the most important aspect remains professional competence, which is non-negotiable"

Just bet that this little friend can't handle it! If I lose, I will let him come on stage with our group. If you lose, let me also experience your group, how about it?

Ji Ming understood, and his heart began to race. Although it was just Group C and the compensation was certainly limited, the names of the China National Drama Theatre and "Thunderstorm" were enough to make any student from the Central Academy of Drama excited

As long as the echoes of this youthful version are well-received and can continue to be performed, it will be much easier for Ji Ming to join the National Theatre after graduation. Even if he intends to pursue his dreams in the entertainment industry, this qualification will undoubtedly serve as a prestigious endorsement.

This play has essentially brought Kunqu opera back into the public eye through its own efforts

However, the National Theatre, which has the character "国" (nation) in its name, has never staged "Thunderstorm"—the first Chinese drama—which is somewhat strange. Since Zhou, the new director of the National Theatre, took office, he has been considering producing a version of "Thunderstorm" that belongs to the National Theatre itself. Recently, this project has finally moved from the preparatory phase to the actual implementation stage

Zhou Shaohong eloquently narrates various backgrounds and diverse research topics

It is too thorough, even appearing somewhat aggressive—when it is your turn to speak, everyone quietly watches you, and even if you suddenly fall silent, no one laughs at you, nor do they urge you on, but they insist on waiting until you have finished speaking, and your words are substantial

Hello, Director Zhou

The most classic version of "Thunderstorm" undoubtedly belongs to the Beijing People's Art Theatre. The reason is simple: the first president of the theatre was Mr. Cao Yu, the original author of "Thunderstorm." This play can be considered the theatre's super signature piece, having been performed repeatedly and remaining ever-popular. It can be said that none of the heavyweight actors associated with the theatre have not performed in this production.

Whether it is the Central Academy of Drama or the Beijing Film Academy, not everyone can achieve fame. Even among the so-called golden generation of the class of 1996, the majority of students return to a life of ordinariness.

What to bet on

This small meeting lasted an entire day and continued for three consecutive days. The director's understanding and the actors' interpretations sparked new ideas, and everyone shared their thoughts on the "Youth Version" without reservation, engaging in a fervent brainstorming session.

... ...

However, the Group C version of "Thunderstorm" in the national language is somewhat different

Is it Ji Ming? I will take up a little of your time. Zhou Shaohong's voice is instantly recognizable as professional, emanating from the dantian, remarkably steady

A character first observes and understands, then immerses and experiences, and finally withdraws and reflects—this is what is referred to as the three realms of viewing mountains and waters. Ji Ming speculates that a master level should at least be at the third realm, where mountains are still mountains and waters are still waters

By the time the national announcement for the meeting arrived, Ji Ming's understanding of Zhou Chong had deepened significantly, yet the sound of "the wish has been fulfilled" still had not come.

Thank you, Director Zhou. I am very grateful for the opportunity you have given me, and I will do my utmost.

There are many interpretations of this play, much like the layers of "Life of Pi," with various metaphors and symbols—such as Zhou Chong, whom some say is a light arranged by Cao Yu for this tragedy. The light ultimately extinguished, yet it once shone brightly. Even in the darkest of times, there are still many who tirelessly seek the light, disregarding their own safety and lives, embodying a sense of innocence and pure ideals

As the wish fulfillment task has not indicated completion, Ji Ming still needs to continue pondering over Zhou Chong after the dialogue class

Let me introduce you, this is Director Zhou Shaohong from the National Theatre, who was also a drama actor in the past. Teacher Chen finally introduced the middle-aged woman and glanced at Ji Ming: "Her fate is indeed good"

... ...

What kind of story is "Thunderstorm"? Zhou Shaohong has quoted many viewpoints from the original author Cao Yu, as well as numerous comments from critics, playwrights, and prominent actors regarding "Thunderstorm"

Only after she finished speaking did Ji Ming understand why Teacher Chen said he was fortunate

Frankly speaking, although I have joined your class, I did not expect to find someone among the sophomore students. Your understanding of Zhou Chong has pleasantly surprised me; I feel that with a little adjustment, we could perform on stage. Hehe. What are your thoughts on this?

Only after Zhou Shaohong took Ji Ming to the small meeting did Tian Yihe turn to Wang Lei and say: "This little friend, I don't know whose connection he is, but Director Zhou seems to care for him quite a bit"