Fujian to bring anti-corruption drive to stage

A big-budget drama about China's crackdown on corrupt officials, In the Name of the People, became a huge hit on Chinese TV earlier this year. Now, Fujian province is bringing the country's anti-corruption drive to the stage.

Justice (Qingtian), an anti-corruption-themed Fujian opera written by the celebrated Pingtan playwright Chen Daogui, is set to hit the stage in Pingtan, Fujian province, starting from July 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Justice (Qingtian), an anti-corruption-themed Fujian opera written by the celebrated local playwright Chen Daogui, is set to open in the southeastern city of Pingtan on July 8.

The play stood out among 14,000 entries to the Chinese National Arts Fund in 2016 and won a grant worth 2.5 million yuan ($ 362,540) to propel it to stages across the country.

Established in 2013, the CNAF is a charity set up to promote the arts and cultivate artistic talent in China.

The play tells the story of Hai Rui, a Chinese official during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Despite experiencing trials and tribulations, Hai remains resolute and overcomes temptation to become a model of honesty and integrity.

But Justice delivers its profound message through a hefty dose of comedy, according to the production's director, Jin Aizhu.