Beijing People's Art Theater showcases rising talent in adaptation of 'Plaza Suite'

Seven students from the training class of Beijing People's Art Theater took the stage in Beijing on Saturday and Sunday, presenting their yearlong training results in a Chinese play Plaza Suite.

The play was adapted from the classic comedy of the same title by four-time Tony winner Neil Simon, and A Broken Man by French dramatist Gabriel Timmory.

According to Feng Yuanzheng, a veteran actor and the president of Beijing People's Art Theater, the company initiated its training class in April last year. Over the past year, 12 students received training on acting, dancing, and traditional Chinese operas as well as folk art forms, such as xiangsheng, or crosstalk, and traditional Chinese musical instruments performance.

"From the 12 students, seven were chosen for the recent performance, and the final decision regarding their inclusion as members of Beijing People's Art Theater is pending," said Feng, adding that in the following three years, the company will have a number of veteran artists retire, which will pose challenge for the lacking of talent.

Feng also noted that the students of the training class are mostly above 30 years old, bringing with them acting experience from their prior occupations.

"They were given a second chance to learn acting, which was no easy feat. They had to set aside their previous acting experiences and start anew," said Feng.

The performances of Plaza Suite were open to the audience, who also served as judges, providing feedback on the students' acting abilities.