Introduction to the New Classic IP Project

Launched in 2021 by CPAA Theatres, the New Classic IP Project is a dedicated content brand focused on the creation and production of original stage works. Its mission is to identify, develop, and produce high-quality dramatic texts and classic IPs with artistic and commercial potential — transforming them into exceptional theatrical productions ranging from plays to musicals.

Beyond production, the project serves as an incubator for IPs in the performing arts, helping to elevate their cultural and commercial value. It aims to establish CPAA Theatres as a premier base for original content creation and a core brand in China's performing arts landscape.

The New Classic IP Project also places strong emphasis on talent development. By bringing together creative forces through its productions, it nurtures the next generation of playwrights, directors, designers, and performers — cultivating fresh voices and supporting experimental works. This talent-focused approach enables CPAA Theatres to stay ahead of industry trends and continue building a comprehensive platform that spans creation, production, and performance.

Notable works developed under the project to date include the stage adaptation of the bestselling novel A Lifelong Journey, the critically acclaimed stage play The Movable Parts, the epic adventure Goodfellas in 15 Days and the Cantonese musical I Am What I Am.

Leveraging the extensive domestic and international resources of CPAA Theatres and the Silk Road International League of Theatres, the project connects with a wide network of arts institutions, performance groups, and academies. Through online and offline forums, festivals, and collaborative initiatives, it explores new ways to present Chinese culture to global audiences — while bringing the best of world theater to China.

Flagship Productions

Drama A Lifelong Journey

This stage adaptation brings to life a monumental work of contemporary Chinese literature. Spanning 50 years of social change in China, the story follows the lives of ordinary people navigating love, loss, family, and national transformation.

The production compresses decades of history into a powerful 180-minute theatrical experience. The creative team — drawn from the Beijing People's Art Theatre, National Theatre of China, and China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater — crafts a moving tribute to the resilience and dignity of everyday Chinese people.

Since its premiere in 2021, A Lifelong Journey has toured over 40 cities across China, from coastal metropolises to remote borderlands, completing more than 100 performances.

Stage-play The Movable Parts

This stage adaptation produced by China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) marks the first time a work by artist Wang Meng is being brought to theaters. The novel finds new life on stage under the direction of Li Bonan from the National Theatre of China, with script adaptation from rising playwright Wen Fangyi.

Premiering in August 2021 as the opening production of the Laoshe Theatre Festival, The Movable Parts received critical acclaim in Beijing and Guangzhou. It has since toured extensively, earning the 2023 One Drama Awards for "Production of the Year" and appearing at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing as part of the NCPA International Theatre Festival in 2023. The production has also received funding from the China National Arts Fund as well as the Beijing Culture and Arts Fund.

Stage-play Goodfellas in 15 Days

In 2021, stage play Goodfellas in 15 Days produced by CAEG made its dazzling debut as the first theatrical adaptation of a work by bestselling author Ma Boyong.

Supported by the Beijing Culture and Arts Fund in 2021, the production was featured in the 5th Laoshe Theatre Festival, the 3rd Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo, and the 3rd Jiangnan Culture and Arts & International Tourism Festival. It held a preview performance at Shunyi Grand Theater on October 20, 2021, followed by a successful three-day premiere run at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from October 22 to 24. The tour then continued with two performances at Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre on October 29 and 30.

Stage-play Two Capitals, Fifteen Days (2022 Edition)

The 2022 edition of stage play Two Capitals, Fifteen Days was co-produced by CAEG and CPAA Theatres.

Since its premiere in 2022, Two Capitals, Fifteen Days has been performed 72 times in 36 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing and Macao, establishing it as a "critical dark horse" among historical stage dramas in recent years.

On the evening of September 16, 2025, Two Capitals, Fifteen Days appeared at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre, delivering a brilliant performance at the 19th China Theater Festival, where it was honored with the festival's "Outstanding Production" award.

Musical I Am What I Am

This Cantonese musical adaptation of the beloved film I Am What I Am celebrates the vibrant culture of lion dancing in Guangdong and the Greater Bay Area. It tells the inspiring story of an underdog's journey to self-discovery through the ancient art of the lion dance.

Guided by Bauhinia Culture Group and supported by cultural authorities in Guangdong and Guangzhou, the musical brings together top artists from the mainland and the Greater Bay Area.

The Mandarin version premiered in January 2024, followed by a Cantonese edition performed at the 52nd Hong Kong Arts Festival in March 2024. In October 2025, a special medley performance, I Am What I Am : The Future, was presented at the Hong Kong Coliseum as part of National Day celebrations.

The musical has received multiple honors, including the Guangdong "Five-One Project" award, the 2024 Beijing Tianqiao Musical Annual Ceremony Special Jury Award, and the 2024 Showlife Musical Awards for Outstanding Musical.

Collaborations & Industry Impact

October 2023 — The New Classic IP Project was shortlisted for the Annual Cultural Consumption Development Power Award at the Beijing Cultural Consumption Season.

October 2023 — The immersive theater adaptation of Two Capitals, Fifteen Days was featured at the China Shanghai International Arts Festival Forum as a case study in deep cultural tourism integration.

October 2025 — CPAA Theatres signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival. The partnership aims to jointly support emerging artists through the Festival's "Young Artists Program" and CPAA's New Classic IP Project — nurturing new works, developing talent, and helping young creators bring their stories to stages across China, and around the world.