26 April 2019
From 19 to 24 April 2019, the drama “I’m not Pan Jinlian”, which has been adapted from Liu Zhenyun's novel of the same name, jointly created by the class of BA Directing 2015 and the class of BA Stage Design 2015 of the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) and meticulously produced by the STA Performance Center, was successfully staged at the Duanjun Theater of STA. As a graduation production for public performance, this play was a major piece launched by the STA Art Season.
The play was under the guidance of Li Jianping as the artistic tutor, Wan Chuanfa as the playwright, and both Wan Liming and Zhou Ke as the directing tutor. Since its project proposal was approved, the play has received strong support from the leaders of departments concerned. During the period of days when the play was staged, Liu Zhenyun, the author of the original novel from which this play has been adapted and a famous writer, was invited to STA to attend the premiere and gave a lecture entitled “Literature and Drama: The Power of Structure”. He also held a discussion with the teachers and students of the Department of Directing, and had a thorough and extensive exchange with them on creation, performance and related topics.
Since its first performance, the play has received a warm response and unanimous praise from both within and without STA. After watching the premiere, famous writer Liu Zhenyun, spoke highly about the play as a successful creation. Famous drama director Wang Xiaoying commented that it was the first time in years that he had seen such a lively performance. Famous drama director Lei Guohua also spoke very highly about the play. Li Yangduo, Director of Gulou West Theatre, commended the adaptation of the play. Professor Chen Jun, Dean of the STA Department of Theatrical Literature, also left a message saying: “Yesterday, the play left me with a good impression. I haven't seen such a drama which has a strong flavor of life and pays attention to the current social reality for a long time”.
With two years of adaptation and ten months of rehearsal, the play is the result of the collective hard work of the teachers and students of STA, and represents the strength of STA as well as a profound attitude towards reality.
