Nightlife in theatres in Beijing

When the red lanterns along the Guijie Street come on, when people crowd into the bars in Sanlitun, when the boats depart from the bank of the Houhai Lake, when the songs echo in the karaokes, the nightlife in Beijing has begun. However, most Beijingers appreciate a more traditional way of nightlife: watching drama in theatres.

 

Li Shanshan is a TV series producer in Beijing. She fell in love with the theatre about 7 or 8 years ago, when she first watched an experimental drama in the Beijing People's Art Theatre. "I really love the serenity of theatres," said Li. "Besides, I believe everyone is the hero or heroine of the drama of his/her life, although most of us play our role quietly."

 

Dramas always bring surprise and a sense of respect to Li, via at the same time giving her an outlet for relieving her pressures.

 

"Unlike in cinemas, both audiences and actors respect each other in theatres, as it requires respect on both sides to guarantee the success of a play. For example, you can never see colas and popcorns in theatres," added Li. "Cinemas can never rival theatres in the aspect of interactiveness."

 

Wang, a foreign language user, also like to relieve himself from daily pressures in theatres. "I watched a Spanish drama, called El Imperio, which has nearly no dialogues at all. Everything is told via the movement of stages and other items like torches, but it represents the rise and fall of a great empire with enormous success," said Wang. "Though it looks very surreaslistic, I love it for it inspires one's imagination."

 

 

"Everyday except Monday, there are plays on in the Beijing People's Art Theatre," said Zou. "I feel happy to be in Beijing, for there are such marvellous dramas to enjoy nearly everyday."