The Chinese play Leading Actor, produced by Shaanxi People's Art Theater, has launched a nationwide tour which will visit several Chinese cities, including Beijing from April 15 to 17 and Shanghai from April 22 to 24.

Based on the award-winning novel of the same by Chinese writer Chen Yan, the play premiered in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, on Feb 25, receiving critical acclaim. Actors and actresses from Shaanxi People's Art Theater performed.

With a creative team that includes scriptwriter Cao Lusheng and director Hu Zongqi, the play follows the life story of a famous Qinqiang Opera actress, Yi Qin'e, who spent over four decades learning the ancient art form and becoming a success. Known for its high-pitched singing and dramatic performing style, Qinqiang Opera is a genre of traditional Chinese folk opera popular in Shaanxi.

Chen's novel, set against the backdrop of different times of China from 1976 to 2016, also reflects the changes of the country as well as the ups and downs of the ancient art form. The novel won the 10th Mao Dun Literature Award, one of China's top literature awards.

(Source: chinadaily.com.cn)