The dramatic art of expressing love

A couple kisses in one scene from the drama. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Born in 1962, the well-known French writer and theater director has been praised for his forged language skills and unique approach to portray a person from the inside. He received the Institut de France Lifetime Award in 2016.

"As a director, he manages to push both the mental and physical boundaries into extremes, which through his play would be presented vividly in front of audiences as if a text book demonstration," says Pauline Roussille, producer of the drama.

"After playing The Beginning of Love, I am not afraid of performing or rehearsing any other plays any more; it's too challenging yet meaningful. And I want to be his performer for my whole life," says Mi Le, who is the drama's female lead.

"Performers are to me like artists, and they are the co-authors of my scripts. The whole life of creation can be seen as to re-work on the same work again and again. I selected those who live within their works," the director says.

"When you watch the drama, immediate and multiple signifiers are first established with words, then are transformed by performers, eventually breaking the boundary of audience experiences, resurrecting memory into life," Roussille adds.

Meanwhile, the story initially occurred between Paris and New York. To appeal to Chinese audiences, he changed New York to Beijing.

"Many lines have been changed accordingly. Some iconic symbols, including the Yong'an Bridge and the White Pagoda, appear in the lines to help the audience understand what I am trying to say in a better way," Rambert says.

One scene from the drama. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]