TAIPEI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Beijing Quju Opera adaptation of "This Life of Mine," a short story by modern Chinese literature master Lao She, was recently staged in Taipei.

Beijing Quju is the only local opera genre born in the capital city. Evolving from the Beijing monochord "Danxian," it was formally established in 1952.

The show was presented by the Beijing Quju Opera Troupe. First created in 2022, the production has previously toured to cities including Gwangju, the Republic of Korea, and Edinburgh, Britain.

Compared to earlier film and drama adaptations of the novella, the Quju version employs more imaginative and dreamlike theatrical expressions to tell the story of an ordinary Beijing patrolman's life and suffering throughout the decades, from the late Qing Dynasty to modern times.

"This kind of presentation is largely connected with our young creative team behind it," said Bai Ailian, director of the play.

"We hope to use a somewhat experimental approach to present the lifelong struggle and helplessness of the protagonist, who just wanted to live a decent life," she said.

Lao She (1899-1966), the pseudonym of Shu Qingchun, was a celebrated Chinese novelist and dramatist. He is best known for his novels "Rickshaw Boy" and "Four Generations under One Roof" as well as the play "Teahouse".

The show in Taipei attracted over 1,200 audience members of various ages.

Lance Wang, a 40-year-old engineer, saw the show with several friends and said he was deeply touched by the affection depicted between the protagonist and his son. "I almost came to tears when seeing that part," he said.

Wang said he had been interested in traditional Chinese folk arts for years, but this was his first time seeing Beijing Quju Opera. "There are also several historic events mentioned in the play, and I think I may look them up in books or other sources afterward," he added. ■