As reported by PBOL earlier, Beijing People's Arts Theatre will stage their first "made in China" absurd play called Rain Over, Sky Clear, March 16-29, at the Small Theater. Coincidentally, next door in the main theater, Cao Yu's famous play "Thunderstorm" will reopen, running March 16-21.

"Thunderstorm" is regarded as the most accomplished modern drama in China. The play takes place over a 24-hour-period , telling the story of the corrupt wealthy family of a coal mine industrialist. It has been performed again and again since 1934 when it was first published, and was recently performed last December on the occasion of commemorating Cao's one-year death, which created a box-office record.

Thunderstorm sees two celebrated veteran artists, Zhu Lin and Zheng Rong, return to the stage playing respectively the heroine and hero in the play as they did in the 1954 production. Other famous dramatists, such as Han Shanxu, Pu Cunxin and Zhen Tianwei, are also included in the cast.

Thunderstorm will be performed at 7:00 pm every night from March 16-21, at the Capital Theatre,22, Wang Fu Jing Da Jie, Dong Cheng District. For tickets call 65121598, 65250996.

Rain Over, Sky Clear will be staged at 7:00 PM, March 16-29, at Small Theatre of Beijing People's Art Theatre. For tickets call 10-65250123. --By Wang Ling
China Correspondent