Stage photo of Sister A-da. [photo by Chen Qiao‘en]

Sister A-da, a Gaojia opera from Xiamen, was staged in China's National Grand Theater, Beijing on Sept 21. This comedy, written by Zeng Xuewen, directed by Lv Zhongwen and performed by Xiamen JInliansheng Gaojia opera troupe, won the Cao Yu script prize, the highest play script prize in China.

Sister A-da is a general name for women who are warm-hearted, righteous, and easy-going in northern Fujian province. Zeng Xuewen was inspired by a hot social topic “Should we help the falling-down old people?” and wrote the play in 2007.

Sister A-da, the heroin of the play, helped a falling-down scholar, which made her become regarded as a “perpetrator”. When she sent a lost child home, she was mistaken for a “human trafficker”. However, she was still ready to offer help.

The play, set in the Republic of China (1912-1949), is full of present popular music and wisecracks, such as the pop song — Kiss Goodbye and a humorous dialogue: "man’s three exultancies — promotion, fortune and beauty.”

Wang min, a famous theater critic, said the play, which combines the old folk culture and modern arts, features local folk customs and an absurd style to invoke more critical thinking.

It is the third time for Xiamen Jinliangsheng Gaojia opera troupe, with a history of 80 years, to play in Beijing, but the first time in the National Grand Theater. The play has won acclaim from both domestic and overseas audiences and famous theater critics.

By Zhai Song and edited by Brian Salter