[Rehearsal live sound]
[Commentary] The mandarin version of "The Last Supper" is being rehearsed intensely in the screen.
This original Cantonese drama work from the Hong Kong Repertory Company has toured the mainland in 2017 and was loved by the audience.
The Cantonese version of the actor Liu Shouzheng changed his identity this time and became the director of the Mandarin version of The Last Supper.
A few days ago, Liu Shouzheng said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Agency that the most difficult part of the script "localization" is not the language, but the mainland actors' digestion and understanding of the Hong Kong characteristics in the drama.
[Concurrent] Liu Shouzheng, director of "The Last Supper" by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
But the most difficult part is that they (actors) have not acted before, and they understand, but they are not familiar with Hong Kong culture.
But I didn't want them to become a Hong Kong citizen. This is impossible.
How to help the actors understand the mood at the time, let these silent moments happen naturally, instead of acting, I have to help the actors to do a lot.
[Explanation] "The Last Supper" is about a mother and son from the bottom in Hong Kong, who lost all faith in life and prepared to burn charcoal at home to commit suicide.
Before the action, the two had a dinner together and complained about each other, and the story developed from this.
[Explanation] Liu Shouzheng said that although there are different languages and different life backgrounds, the emotions expressed in the drama can resonate universally.
On the basis of retaining the essence of the script, he leaves more room for the Mandarin version of the actors, hoping to bring a different kind of drama to the mainland audience.
[Concurrent] Liu Shouzheng, director of "The Last Supper" by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
I think the relationship between son and mother is actually established in any place in the world.
I especially hope that audiences who have watched the Cantonese version before can enter the theater if you have time.
Looking at the Mandarin version again, I believe it will give you a very special feeling. I can't say that it is different. It may be the same to you. Using Mandarin may feel more cordial to mainland audiences.
[Explanation] The launch of the Mandarin version is not only the first time for "The Last Supper", but also the first attempt by the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre.
Liu Shouzheng expressed the hope that more outstanding Hong Kong drama works can be brought to the mainland in the future.
[Concurrent] Liu Shouzheng, director of "The Last Supper" by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
"The Last Supper" can be said to be an experiment. If it is successful, I think there will be more opportunities to translate some of Hong Kong's small theater works, especially the works of small theaters, into Mandarin.
If possible, make a localized change, or you can bring more works to the mainland to meet with a large audience.
I also want to bring back my own Cantonese performance in Hong Kong.
(It can promote cultural exchanges) Yes, maybe one session is Cantonese and one session is Mandarin.
[Explanation] In fact, the show has planned to tour the mainland in 2020, but it has been suspended due to the epidemic.
Today, there is no longer a uniform limit on the number of theater receptions in low-risk areas across China.
As a drama practitioner, Liu Shouzheng is full of confidence in the recovery of the dialogue drama industry.
[Concurrent] Liu Shouzheng, director of "The Last Supper" by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
I have also done a lot about the possibility of the theater company making some online short films to broadcast on the Internet, but how to say, I also miss it very much, and look forward to meeting the audience in the theater on the spot.
Now the Hong Kong theater can be opened, but only half of the audience can be admitted, so I will use this time to come to Beijing to be the director of this drama.
A few days ago, Ke Zang (the producer) told me that it was 100% (in the Mainland), which is great!
[Commentary] From April 1st to 4th, this Mandarin version of "The Last Supper" created by the Hong Kong Repertory Company and an interesting drama will be staged in the theater of Beijing Tianqiao Art Center, opening the first stop of the first round of tour, and will continue to follow. Go to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Shanghai and other cities.
Reporter Wang Shibo Ying Ni reports from Beijing
Editor in charge: [Ji Xiang]