Director Lai Shengchuan, Huang Shengyi and Zhao Xiaosu performed multiple identities “Let Me Hold Your Hand…” landing at Hangzhou Grand Theater
How can more than 800 letters between Chekhov and his wife Olga and 4 Chekhov’s works be turned into a stage play with the collaboration of violin and classical guitar? Last night, Lai Shengchuan’s adaptation of Chekhov’s life and work “Let Me Hold Your Hand…” was staged at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre.
One day in 1898, Chekhov and the actor Olga fell in love at first sight while reading Chekhov’s “The Seagull” script, and the story of their acquaintance and companionship began. On stage, the actors Huang Shengyi and Zhao Xiaosu are actors for a time, readers for a time, and Chekov and Oujia for a time. They interpret this story through the transformation of multiple identities. “The Seagull”, “The Cherry Orchard” ” and “Uncle Vanya” also appear in the play one after the other.
“I think Teacher Lai is the closest director to Chekhov in China. This film is difficult, but I enjoyed it very much.” Before the performance, Zhao Xiaosu and Huang Shengyi accepted our interview. Director Lai Shengchuan previously said that this play is a tribute to Chekhov, the “soul confidant” at heart, “Perhaps what not everyone expected is that Chekhov, the literary master who seems serious , so interesting in fact, so full of vitality, and full of compassion for the world. The letters between Chekhov and his wife are so touching and romantic.”
They are both on the same stage, one is a veteran drama actor, and the other is a film and television actor who is challenging the stage for the first time. In Zhao Xiaosu’s eyes, Huang Shengyi is “real and almost transparent”. In Huang Shengyi’s opinion, Zhao Xiaosu’s rich stage experience has allowed her to see what it means to be “opened”. “He’s a very sincere actor, and it’s true. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. For example, when we’re on stage and someone walks past, he can feel it immediately.”
The two actors who complimented each other had very different impressions of Lai Shengchuan. They seemed “very energetic and gentle”, but “the views they presented would make people toss and turn in the middle of the night”. Of course, this cooperation is very pleasant, and Huang Shengyi and Zhao Xiaosu said: “After this cooperation, I love Professor Lai and Chekhov even more.”
Do you like Chekhov? Interested in his love story? There is one more show tonight.
Stage play “Let Me Hold Your Hand…”
Venue: Hangzhou Grand Theater · Opera House
Performance time: 19:30 on 19 November
