Start with young actors
Before ever going to Edinburgh, Tian devoted herself to directing a new version of "The Four Generations Living under One Roof." She hired actors from three generations from the National Theatre Company of China. While working with these people, she found that she needed to cultivate the youngest generation to help her carve out the Chinese image.
"The new generation has a more natural way of acting. Although they lack experience on stage, they are just like blank pages: you can draw whatever you want on them and build them with the qualities you need for the plays," said Tian.
Her previous play "The Red Rose and White Rose" was proof that Tian's choice may've been right. The play has been performed by young talent 130 times – without big name actors – and has attracted large audiences.
"I can not deny that stars can help promote a play, but big stars are not the basis of a play. We need more actors more desperately than big stars," said Tian. "If a play is good enough, it does not matter if we hire famous people."
Currently there are still many problems in the industry, but training young people has become a trend. "I am very patient, and hope that the young actors will help me find a way to present the Chinese image on the international stage," said Tian.
Green Snake
Besides learning from the Edinburgh festival, Tian also cooperated on a play with Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the National Theatre of Scotland. After seeing Tian's "The Four Generations Living under One Roof," Featherstone was eager to work with her.
The two put on a traditional Chinese fairy tale called "The Green Snake." "The story covers the relationship between humans, an evil spirit and a monk. Although it is fiction, it reflects human nature," said Tian.
"I hope that through watching this play, people, especially foreigners, will get some idea of the Chinese people and learn more about Chinese plays," said Tian.
