Play examines a generation's tension between virtuality and reality

"Technology influences and reshapes our lives every day," says director Yang. "While we enjoy the convenience it offers, we are also left grappling with confusion and uncertainty. This production does more than entertain; it invites the audience to reflect on the emotional and social ramifications of living in the digital age."

He adds: "As the audience leaves the theater, they will feel a sense of disconnection and longing — a poignant reminder that in a world dominated by virtual connections, true human connection is increasingly rare."

Artistic director Feng Yuanzheng, also the president of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, reveals that the novel, published in March, immediately caught the creative team's attention.

"We were searching for original, high-quality scripts, and this story — addressing artificial intelligence and social media — felt deeply relevant to our daily lives," says Feng.

He also points out that Yi Ri Ding Liu follows in the footsteps of Absolute Signal, which Lin Zhaohua directed at the theater and premiered in 1982. That production is widely regarded as China's first small-theater performance.

To bring this timely narrative to life, the theater adopted an innovative creative approach, assembling a team of directors, actors and stage designers to collaborate on adapting the novel into a script. The production features three young actors who each takes on multiple roles.

"I've been a fan of the Beijing People's Art Theatre since childhood, so it's a great honor to see my novel staged here, alongside the works of my literary idols like Lao She and Liu Heng," says Shi, a Beijing native. "Every generation writes about the stories of its time, and I'm proud that mine has found its place on stage."

This marks the first time one of Shi's works has been adapted for the stage and performed at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.