The Complete Works of Lao She: Tea House (Hardcover)

The time span of a century, fifty-seven primary and secondary characters are highly condensed in the teahouse, showing life scenes in three eras after the failure of the Reform Movement of 1898 in the late Qing Dynasty, the period of the Beiyang warlord separatism in the early years of the Republic of China, and the eve of the fall of the Kuomintang regime. It summarizes the sharp opposition and conflicts between various classes and forces in Chinese society, and reveals the historical destiny of semi-feudal and semi-colonial China. "Longxugou" is an important work of Mr. Lao She. It is the second drama script he created after returning to China in the early days of liberation. It is also a rare masterpiece among the early main theme works that has been handed down from generation to generation. This play describes the different experiences of four families living in a small courtyard next to a stinking ditch (Longxugou) near a flyover in Beijing. It creates unique characters such as Madman Cheng, Madam Cheng, Sister Ding, Aunt Wang, Erchun, Xiao Niuzi, and Uncle Zhao. Their experiences and mentality show the new atmosphere and changes brought about by the new regime and new system. It can be called a history of blood, tears and transformation of the lower class people.