Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, is one of many productions being shown at the ongoing National New Drama Performance in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]
The work, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, which was painted nearly 700 years ago by acclaimed painter of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) Huang Gongwang (1269-1354), is regarded as one of the 10 top masterpieces in Chinese art history.
In 1650, the painting, about 7 meters long, was split into two pieces.
Now, one is stored at the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou, while the other is at the Taipei Palace Museum.
The two halves were reunited for the first time in 2011 at the Taipei museum for an exhibition.
Meanwhile, about five years ago, Shanghai-based scriptwriter Wang Hao produced a drama named after the painting.
The show focused not only on the painting but also the painter Huang.
The drama, produced by Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, which premiered in Shanghai in July 2016, will make its debut in Beijing on Dec 11 at the Capital Theater.
Speaking about the show, Wang says: “This painting contains lots of stories and I imagined myself as the painter Huang.
“Huang experienced ups and downs in his life, which provided him a unique perspective about life and he was able to present it through this great painting.
“Through this drama, the audience can have a conversation with the painter.”