Reviving Tradition, Redefining Fate: Yichen Lai on Adapting Peacocks Fly Southeast

Yichen Lai is the Student Director of Peacocks Fly Southeast and a student theater maker associated with GYACD. Currently a student at Nanshan Foreign Language School, she actively participates in theatrical productions and cultural projects.

---

Jacky Sun: Congratulations on winning the 15th Classic Adaptation Short Play Competition in Shenzhen! Peacocks Fly Southeast has clearly resonated deeply with audiences. Can you share what inspired you to adapt this classical Chinese poem into a modern theatrical production?

Yichen Lai: Thank you, Jacky! The inspiration came from our desire to reinterpret a classic text in a way that speaks to contemporary audiences. Peacocks Fly Southeast is a tragic love story that reflects the rigid feudal system of ancient China, but we saw an opportunity to explore its themes through a feminist lens. By reimagining the ending, we wanted to highlight the strength and agency of Liu Lanzhi, the heroine, and make her story more relatable to modern viewers.

Jacky Sun: The feminist reimagining of Liu Lanzhi’s character is one of the most striking aspects of your adaptation. Can you elaborate on how you approached this and why it was important to you?

Yichen Lai: Absolutely. In the original poem, Liu Lanzhi is a victim of her circumstances, constrained by feudal etiquette and family expectations. We wanted to challenge that narrative by giving her the courage to defy her fate. In our version, she doesn’t succumb to tragedy but instead breaks free from societal constraints to pursue her own path. This change not only makes her a more empowering figure but also invites the audience to reflect on the struggles women faced in ancient times—and how those struggles still resonate today. Feminism is about choice and agency, and we wanted to celebrate that in our adaptation.

Jacky Sun: The play also delves into the tension between individual desires and familial expectations, a theme that feels timeless. How did you balance staying true to the historical context while making it relevant to today’s audience?

Yichen Lai: It was a delicate balance. We kept the setting and costumes historically accurate to honor the original text and immerse the audience in the Eastern Han Dynasty. At the same time, we modernized the dialogue and themes to make them more accessible. For example, the conflict between Liu Lanzhi and her family mirrors modern struggles with parental expectations and societal pressure. By blending historical authenticity with contemporary relevance, we aimed to create a bridge between the past and the present.

Jacky Sun: The attention to detail in the costumes, sets, and language is remarkable. How did your team approach the research and preparation for these elements?

Yichen Lai: Thank you! We spent months researching Eastern Han Dynasty clothing, architecture, and language. For the costumes, we worked with designers to ensure every detail—from the fabric to the accessories—was historically accurate. The language was another challenge; we used ancient Chinese expressions but adapted them to flow naturally in a theatrical context. This level of detail was crucial to creating an immersive experience that transported the audience back in time while still conveying our modern message.

Jacky Sun: Student-led projects like this are incredibly impactful. What do you think is the significance of young people engaging with and reinterpreting classical texts through theater?

Yichen Lai: I think it’s vital for young people to engage with classical texts because they offer a window into our cultural heritage. By reinterpreting these stories, we not only keep them alive but also make them relevant to new generations. Theater, in particular, is a powerful medium because it allows us to explore complex themes in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. For us as students, this project was also a way to develop our creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture.

Jacky Sun: The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. What do you hope they take away from Peacocks Fly Southeast?

Yichen Lai: Above all, we hope the play inspires people to reflect on the importance of individuality and resilience. Liu Lanzhi’s journey is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, it’s possible to carve out your own path. We also hope the play sparks a deeper appreciation for traditional Chinese culture and its enduring relevance. If our work encourages even one person to explore classical texts or think differently about gender roles, we’ll consider it a success.

Jacky Sun: Thank you, Yichen, for sharing your insights. Congratulations again on this incredible achievement, and we look forward to seeing what you and your team create next!

Yichen Lai: Thank you, Jacky! It’s been a pleasure.

(Yichen Lai and her team are working towards a full-length production of Peacocks Fly Southeast.)