Movie brings star power to tale of boy hero

The Shining Red Star, which was produced by the August First Film Studio and premiered in 1974, is a firm favorite among Chinese audiences.

Now a musical with the same title, adapted from the movie, will be staged in Beijing on Oct 28 and 29.

The movie, directed by Li Ang and Li Jun and based on the novel of the same title by Li Xintian, tells the story of a heroic boy, Pan Dongzi, against the backdrop of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

Pan’s father joins the Red Army to go to battle and leaves his son a red star, symbolizing the Communist Party of China. Pan’s mother dies as a martyr while protecting other comrades.

After his mother’s death, the young boy, through his own wits and bravery, helps the Red Army guerrillas, led by the CPC, defeat the enemy, and finally becomes a Red Army soldier, which he always dreamed of being.

With a young creative team averaging around 25 years old, including directors Wang Zhe and Jiang Yadi and scriptwriter Cao Yu, the musical will focus on the boy with an adaptation of classic songs

from the movie. New songs will also feature in the musical, adding a contemporary twist to the classic story.

The villain landlord, Hu Hansan, who ruthlessly exploits the farmers, another classic character from the movie, will be portrayed with comedic elements, according to the scriptwriter Cao.

“The musical centers on the portrayal of Pan Dongzi’s heroic and loyal spirit as a young soldier. It is a contemporary interpretation of a revolutionary theme,” says Cao.

“Like many audience members, I watched the movie as a child and was impressed by the story, the characters and the songs,” says Wang. “We hope that the story will be presented with a sense of freshness through music, dance and multimedia technology.”

After its Beijing premiere, the musical will tour nationwide with more shows to be staged at former revolutionary bases of the CPC across the country, including Ruijin city, Jiangxi province, and Yan’an, Shaanxi province.

“We will invite students and teachers to enjoy the musical. Though the story was written decades ago, we want younger generations to learn about the history and the heroes,” says Wang.

We will invite students and teachers to enjoy the musical. Though the story was written decades ago, we want younger generations to learn about the history and the heroes.”

Wang Zhe, director

PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY TheShiningRedStar, Performers of the musical, showcase a part of the production during a news conference in Beijing on Oct 12.