As the prime minister of the Qin State, Shang Yang carried out the first large－scale reform in China's history. He cracked down on the power of the nobility and changed the way of the country administration. So much so that the Qin State became the most powerful of the time. A play at Shanghai's Majestic Theatre has brought the famous reformer and his feats back to life.
An administrative reformer who lived more than 2,000 years ago would seem to be an unlikely subject for a stage play, but Shang Yang's appeal has survived through the centuries to today.
The play based on the reformer was originally staged in 1996. This incarnation has retained some features of the previous production such as the use of montage but also included some additional special effects.
The playwrights integrate speculative philosophy and passion to accentuate the great changes during that era.
Theater－goer said:"The play has a great plot and set design. It has excited my imagination."
The producers are also hoping to win over critics. The play has been nominated for a national theatre award.
(CCTV.com September 4, 2003)
