BEIJING, March 6 -- One of the greatest works of China's greatest playwright is returning to the stage. The Beijing People's Art Theater will perform Cao Yu's "Beijing Man" this May.

    Cast and crew met the press on Wednesday to announce rehearsals have begun.

    "Beijing Man" is set against the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, one of the most turbulent periods of Chinese history. The drama follows the fate of a large feudal family -- from its heyday to its gradual decline to its collapse. Cao Yu wrote the work in 1941, and said it was his favorite among all his creations.

    The Beijing People's Art Theater has staged the play twice in the past -- the first time in 1957 and the last in 1987. However, despite critical acclaim, both runs were box office disappointments.

    However, the director this time around, Li Liuyi, is confident the new production will prove a hit with audiences. He says he's tailoring the play for modern tastes while maintaining its originality.

    "Beijing Man" is coming to Beijing's Capital Theater in early May.

    (Source: cctv.com)