Reviving classic stories for a new generation

Contemporary lens

One of the key challenges in adapting classic literature is rewriting scripts to make these timeless stories resonate with today's young audience.

Fortunately, the team, all in their 20s, knows exactly how to adjust the themes to address the confusion and challenges of young adulthood.

For example, Li adapted Meng (meaning "Men"), a poem from Shi Jing (The Book of Songs), the earliest existing collection of Chinese poetry. The original poem tells the sorrowful tale of a woman abandoned by her husband. As she reflects on their past love, she struggles with the pain of betrayal, highlighting the oppression women faced in feudal marriages.

In Li's modern retelling, the protagonist goes through a similar experience but in a contemporary setting: after her divorce, she returns home to find a party popper prepared by her mother, celebrating a fresh start.

"I want modern women to know they have the courage to start over," Li said.

Li's approach to scriptwriting often goes beyond textbook narratives, focusing instead on themes that personally resonate with her.

One example is her adaptation of A Madman's Diary (1918) by Chinese literary giant Lu Xun (1881-1936). This classic story is narrated through the diary of a "madman "whose writings expose societal indifference under feudal oppression and the irony of labeling truth-tellers as "mad".

In her video, Li reimagines this tale in the context of modern social media. It features content creators who fabricate fake scenarios to generate conflict and attract views. When a viewer reveals the truth, she is "silenced "for speaking out. This modern twist brings fresh relevance to the classic work.

"I want to make videos that bridge literature with reallife experiences," Li explained. "I hope to help viewers rediscover emotions they may not have fully grasped as students and offer new perspectives shaped by time and personal growth."