An anniversary production of renowned playwright Cao Yu's classic work "Sunrise" ("Ri Chu") will be staged at the Capital Theater in Beijing on September 7.

Leading actress Chen Hao [China.org.cn]

Actress Chen Hao, who shot to fame in the TV adaptation of Zhu Deyong's cartoon "City Ladies" ("Se Nv Lang"), plays lead character Chen Bailu, only her second appearance in a stage drama in ten years. Veteran Beijing People's Art Theater actors Wang Changli, Liang Danni, Wang Gang and Ma Xingyao are also in the cast.

The remake of "Sunrise" is one of four dramas being staged by the People's Art Theater to mark the 100th anniversary of Cao Yu's birth this month.

Published in 1936, "Sunrise" was Cao's second play and regarded as one of his finest. Set in 1930s Shanghai, it centers on Chen Bailu, who was a mistress of local banker Pan Yueting and desperately unhappy, despite living a life of luxury. Her childhood friend Fang Dasheng turns up and tries to persuade her to go back home with him. Chen declines and her sad life ends when Pan Yueting's bank is closed down and she kills herself. The story of Chen Bailu reflects the breakdown of individuals' moral values in the face of a hostile society.