椒麻堂会

直接搬过来我在别的地方先写的英文感想了：

Those who are familiar with Chinese cinemas and theatres may easily spot similarities between A New Old Play and the 1992 film Secret Love for the Peach Blossom Spring at a first glance. Both films focus on individual experience under massive political turmoils in China from 1930s to 1970s and both directors make use of theatrical elements as well as distancing/alienation effects with great dexterity. However, as the title suggests, Director Qiu isn't ambitious to create a new play ( "Secret Love" is a milestone for contemporary play). His true intention is to bring the spirit of old play back to life in a new form.

Qiu reinforces his disbelief in Stanislavski's system, an approach imported from Russia into China that trains the actors utilising their conscious thoughts and experiencing the role emotionally, in a scene that sarcastically shows the playwright reading a Stanislavski's book in toilet while doing his business. Here, again, we can draw another interesting comparison between the farce-centred traditional Chuan Operas and (cultural) Revolutionary Operas that aim to instil nationalism and loyalty towards the party. The two represents diametrically opposite philosophies.

Like what is depicted in the film, the protagonist Qiu Fu first learnt to sing without quite understanding the meaning of lyrics. Chuan Opera is more of a "bodily awareness and awakening" as mentioned by director Qiu. As time goes by, Qiu Fu eventually becomes an embodiment of clown-figure in his real life, displaying optimistic and frivolous attitude in the thick of every hardship.Revolutionary Operas though require spiritual loyalty and faith of the actors, fails to help its followers to find truth and navigate their lives, as seen from Ah Hei (Qiu Fu's son) and his friends' failed trip for truth in Beijing.