New production takes flight

"I played the role of Konstantin in 1991 when I was in my 30s. Now, in July, I am about to turn 70, and I am finally able to direct the play and present my understanding of it," says Pu, standing in the rehearsal room of Beijing People's Art Theatre.

"He (Pu) insisted on using young and new cast members, so actors like me had no opportunity to perform in this play," says veteran actor Feng Yuanzheng, who is the president of Beijing People's Art Theatre. "The Seagull is Pu's latest directorial work. He made his directorial debut in 2021 with The Thunderstorm, and followed that up with a production of Hamlet last year. For the latter, he also insisted on working with young and new performers, because he thinks it is necessary and important to train and prepare them for the future of the theater, which I very much agree with."

Actress Li Xiaomeng plays the role of Nina and actor Li Yue plays the role of Konstantin. On April 6, they performed the play's first act, which is set in a rural estate surrounded by the tranquil countryside. With a dozen leather suitcases, actors and actresses stand in a line facing the audience before they start to dance. Then the story begins, outdoors, nearby a beautiful lake, where the young and lively Nina arrives, ready to perform in Konstantin's new play. She talks about the beautiful surroundings and says that she feels like a seagull.

Li Xiaomeng rose to fame at 15 years old after appearing in director Huang Jianxin's movie, The Marriage Certificate, in 2000.