A new stage play is bringing Chinese and Japanese theatre artists together to explore their countries' ancient past while focusing on contemporary issues.

"Lost Village", which will premier at the 35th Hong Kong Arts Festival in March and is now in rehearsal in Beijing, is a collaborative effort between the National Theatre Company of China, and the New National Theatre of Tokyo.

Co-written and co-directed by Li Liuyi from Beijing and Oriza Hirata from Tokyo, "Lost Village" looks at the dialectic between man and history.

The story unfolds with news of an archaeological discovery in a remote village in China. Treasures that date back to an unknown chapter in history have been unearthed. The discovery has stopped the construction of a Japanese factory as Chinese and Japanese officials, archaeologists, students, businessmen and looters start arriving. A local tea house becomes the centre of unexpected encounters and conflicts.

"Lost Village" digs deep into the cultural record, offering insights into Sino-Japanese history while exploring the nature of humanity and the world.

The sets have been designed by renowned stage director Yan Long from China, while the lighting is being set by Japanese designer Tamotsu Iwaki. The 13-member cast includes eight actors from China and five from Japan.

"This year is supposed to further the cultural relationships between China and Japan, said co-director Li Liuyi, noting that Lost Village is a symbol of these joint efforts in setting a milestone in the chronicle of Asian drama.

After its world premiere in Hong Kong from March 20 to 24, "Lost Village" will open in Beijing and then Tokyo.

Source: Xinhua