Operatic adaptations of the Chinese literary masterpiece Family have recently held audiences spellbound at the Shanghai International Arts Festival. Three different styles of opera adapted from the work have been staged as a tribute to its author, Bajin, who turns 100 on the 25th of this month. And on the night of Nov.10, a new stage drama version of Family was performed at the Shanghai Grand Theater.

The stellar cast is made up of some of the top actors and actresses from Beijing and Shanghai. Big names taking part in the production include Sun Daolin, Xu Huanshan, Wang Shihuai and Cheng Qian, along with actresses Xi Meijuan and Chen Hong.

The previous three versions were a Sichuan Opera from Bajin's hometown in southwest China's Sichuan Province, a Shanghai Opera staged by top performers from the Shanghai Opera Troupe, and a modern Shaoxing Opera.

The four dramas were staged as a special birthday gift to Bajin, and are an illustration of how his works continue to influence Chinese performing arts.

The one-month-long fifth Shanghai International Arts Festival will run until Nov.18.

(CCTV.com November 12, 2003)