Beijing legend gets modern treatment

"During the coronavirus pandemic, I revised the script more than 20 times. The story of Tu'er Ye coincides with what we are going through now, so I rewrote the script to match the current situation," Wang says.

He designed a role in the play for a doctor, hoping to pay tribute to the medical workers who made great contributions during the fight against the pandemic. The director also weaves in popular topics, such as livestreaming, shopping and cosplay, hoping to attract a younger audience.

"When you watch the play, you laugh and you think afterward," Wang says.

The cast members of the play, as Wang says, are like people living in Beijing, "They came from different parts of the country, and are considered as 'new Beijingers'."