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Several generations of dramatic people gathered together director Wang Xiaoying to join the Birthday Party of the 50th Year of Drama. Photo by Li Liqiang

　　"Happy birthday to Director Wang Xiaoying! The tree of art is evergreen!" On April 27, "The long-standing vein of the 50th-Director Wang Xiaoying's Birthday Meeting for Drama" was held in Beijing. Wang Xiaoying's mentor and Chinese drama master Xu Xiaozhong, Pu Cunxin, Zhang Qiuge, Wang Weiguo, Yuan Quan, Yu Yang, Liu Kedong, Wang Luwei and other dozens of good teachers and friends on the road of drama, cast and staff of the China National Theater, and students trained by Wang Xiaoying at different stages gathered together. This grand event that brings together generations of dramatic people not only pays tribute to the 68-year-old drama master's gilded years, but also witnesses the endless vitality of the Chinese drama spirit.

　　The teacher's message inherits the spirit of drama

　　At the beginning of the event, Xu Xiaozhong, the founder of Chinese drama education at the age of 97, sent a deep message. He was energetic and a sonorous voice: "Xiaoying's director's creation has always been based on the complexity of the characters' thoughts and human nature. He strives to focus on the protagonist's brilliant portrayal of the soul, and is better at using poetic images to materialize philosophy. This gathering is not only to celebrate Xiaoying's 68th birthday, but also to discuss his achievements in director's art and director's teaching, which is very meaningful."

　　Dr. Wang Xiaoying reviewed his 50-year drama experience. He specifically mentioned the teachers, friends and colleagues who had given him important influence at different stages: from the years of studying under the guidance of Teacher Xu Xiaozhong, to the creative passion of participating in the Chinese experimental drama movement in the 1980s; from the exploration process of gradually forming a unique directorial style in the 1990s, to the creative practice of representative works such as "The Witch of Salem", "Copenhagen", "Fusheng", and "Lanling King" since the new century. On the long road of art, he always insists on the aesthetic pursuit of "poetic images" and uses unique stage language and profound humanistic thinking to create a unique artistic realm.

　　Friends and friends talk about creative friendship

　　The guests present shared their precious memories of working with Dr. Wang Xiaoying. Pu Cunxin recalled: "He has worked with Director Xiaoying for many years. His rich life experience and persistent pursuit of art are admirable. Those days of co-creation have allowed art, life and friendship to interweave the most moving chapters in our lives."

　　Yuan Quan was moved to tell the story of his time in the drama "Jane Eyre" co-starring with Wang Xiaoying: "The spring of rehearsing "Jane Eyre" was the best time in my acting career. I remember that even though the director was sick, he insisted on coming to the rehearsal venue to guide. His sincerity for art deeply touched every actor."

　　Wang Weiguo paid tribute with his actions, and he performed the classic monologue in "The Witch of Salem". The sonorous and powerful lines echoed in the venue, instantly bringing the audience into the dramatic situation, as if returning to the theater of the year.

　　Unforgettable years of youth in the Central Academy of Drama

　　Representatives of Wang Xiaoying's classmates at the Central Academy of Drama also came to the scene, and Bruce Lee and Gong Xiaodong recalled every bit of the school days together. They tell the story of young Wang Xiaoying's obsession and persistence in drama, and rehearsing the creation together. A series of humorous past events made the scene laugh and applause constantly.

　　Liao Xianghong, who was unable to attend, specially entrusted someone to bring a letter. The simple but affectionate words in the letter moved everyone present, and this friendship between classmates was particularly precious at this moment.

　　At the end of the birthday party, the audience sang birthday songs together and shared the birthday cake. The cake read "Half-century poetry and painting the universe, fifty years of artistic life." Wang Xiaoying said emotionally: "Drama is an art that illuminates people's hearts. I hope the younger generation can continue to inherit this spirit. As long as you have awe of art, the light of drama will never fade." (Beijing Daily reporter Wang Run)

[Editor in charge: Tang Wei]