BACKPACKERS Will Come to Beijing in September
Performances will run from Sept. 11-14 at the Drama Theatre of NCPA.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will present the original drama Backpackers from Sept. 11-14 at the Drama Theatre of NCPA in Beijing, China. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with a running time of approximately 120 minutes, excluding intermission.
Set in Beijing in 2026, Backpackers centers on a traditional siheyuan hostel located along the city's Central Axis. The play follows backpackers from different parts of China and explores their personal experiences, family expectations, professional challenges and connections to Beijing's cultural history. The central character, Zhao Yan, was once an enthusiastic backpacker before a life-changing incident led her to abandon her travels and run a courtyard hostel near Qianmen. Her encounters with the hostel's guests eventually lead her to reconsider the dreams she left behind.
Wang Jian wrote the play, with Huang Ying directing. The creative team also includes stage designer Zhang Kunpeng, lighting designer Han Dong, multimedia designer Luo Xinxin, Costume Designer Wan Lan, makeup designer Lin Yajie, composer Wen Ziyang, props designer Gang Mengyao and sound effects and audio designer Zhao Lijie.
The cast includes Xu Zixuan as Zhao Yan; Zhang Xuewen and Guo Shuojie alternating as Songsong; Peter Bieder of Germany and Rifat alternating as Ma Shang; Dong Wenliang as Zhao Zhiqiang; Wang Qianyu as Liu Sanma; Guo Shuojie and Zhang Xuewen alternating as Cheng Shi; Wu Song as Old Mr. Li; Xu Yangling as Tian Xiaocui; Wang Wenjie as Lin Wanting; and Liu Beibei as Xiao Zhou. The ensemble also includes Pan Yilin, Ha Xiaoqing, Mao Xiya and Yang Di as female passengers, and Xing Kaicheng, Bian Jianglong, Shen Qianxiang, Yang Wentao and Li Wei as male passengers. Most of the listed principal performers are members of the NCPA Drama Ensemble.
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