A stage play of the "Four Generations Under One Roof", which was written by renowned Chinese novelist Lao She (1899-1966), was presented by National Theatre of China (NTC) in Hong Kong Cultural Center on July 3, marking the beginning of the classical drama work's tour performance in the special administrative region (SAR).

The classical stage play is a flagship program of the "Chinese Performing Arts Hong Kong Season" Series.

The "Four Generations Under One Roof" is a full-length novel written by Lao that depicted the life of ordinary people in Beijing when the city was occupied by Japanese military forces during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Tian Qinxin, president of the NTC and a theatre director, has adopted neo-realism method in his adaption of the classical literary work. The stage play has vividly recreated the life and social scenes of those living in Beijing's Yangjuan Alley and portrayed their hardship inflicted by and resistance to Japanese military occupation.

The drama play made its debut in Hong Kong in 2012 and met warm response from local audiences. The news about its return to Hong Kong after a 13-year break has become a trending topic among the public, with relevant tickets being sold out early. To further promote stage arts, about 600 teachers and students from local universities, primary and middle schools were invited to visit the theatre before the performance, hold interactions with Tian and watch two clip shows of the "Four Generations Under One Roof".

The extraordinary show by NTC performers have further aroused the interest of local teachers and students in theatrical performing arts, who engage in closer interactions and posed for photos with performers.

The stage play was co-hosted by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong SAR and Bauhinia Culture (Hong Kong) Holdings Ltd, undertaken by the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) and implemented by the China Performing Arts Agency (CPAA).

A special community-level public welfare and philanthropic performance, which was supported by the China Merchants Foundation, brought together about 1,500 people, including political and business representatives, students, grassroots families and residents. The three-hour show helped them grasp a deep understanding of ordinary Chinese people's bravery and unyielding will in the fight against Japanese aggression.

The NTC will present the stage play of the "Four Generations Under One Roof" for local audiences on July 4 and 5 respectively, allowing more people to appreciate classical drama plays and admire the hardship and warmth exhibited by ordinary families in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

In addition, a thematic photography exhibition titled "National History and Peace Fragrance" will be held in Hong Kong Cultural Center on the sidelines of the stage play to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.