Stan Lai [Photo by Guo Yanbing]

A 38-year enduring theatrical marvel directed by Stan Lai, a renowned playwright and theater director from Taiwan, the exclusive presentation of "Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land" chronicles the historical context of Taiwan's Cross-Straits family visits, fulfilling a vision that connects both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The event is scheduled for May 11-12, 2024, on the nearest mainland island to the island of Taiwan, Pingtan. Join Stan in this unique theatrical experience that tells of love that spans the Straits.

Performance Overview

Stan Lai has been recognized in the Contemporary Celebrity Hall of Fame in Chinese Drama.

"Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land" is a theatrical masterpiece written and directed by Stan Lai. It premiered in Taiwan in 1986, causing a sensation and earning Stan Lai a literary award in 1988. In 1992, he directed the film adaptation, winning the Best Adapted Screenplay Award at the 29th Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.

From the Performance Workshop in Taiwan to Shang Theater in Shanghai, and from the Wuzhen Theatre Festival to Huichang Drama Town, Stan Lai has been sowing seeds of theatrical culture across the Straits and internationally.

"Cross-Straits communication is essential and must be comprehensive. The younger generation on both sides needs more opportunities for communication, and the storytelling of Chinese stories also needs communication for development and documentation." Stan Lai believes that cultural exchanges, including drama, will undoubtedly improve cross-Straits relations.

"Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land," performed for over thirty years, stands out as one of Stan Lai's most beloved works. The play was even praised by the Far Eastern Economic Review as "the most spectacular drama in the Chinese-speaking world." It evokes laughter and tears, leaving the audience with surprises as generations of actors convey their understanding and love for the play.

In 2017, a strong ensemble from Shang Theater, personally cultivated by Stan Lai, presented the exclusive version of "Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land."

The exclusive version has been staged year after year, earning the title of a "theatrical business card of Shanghai," attracting countless spectators. The residency of the exclusive version allows more people to discover a piece of "theatrical Peach Blossom Spring" in the metropolis. In 2023, it left Shanghai for the first time, bringing this classic to more cities, and allowing more to experience the myriad flavors of life in joy, laughter, and tears.

Plot Summary

Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land" intertwines two unrelated theater groups forced to rehearse simultaneously, creating a stage spectacle blending ancient and modern, joy and sorrow.

"Secret Love" is a modern tragedy. Young couple Jiang Binliu and Yun Zhifan meet in Shanghai due to war, get separated, and independently come to Taiwan. Unbeknownst to each other, after 40 years of unrequited love, they finally meet, both married, and Jiang Binliu is on the verge of death...

"Peach Blossom Land" is a historical comedy. Chunhua, the wife of Tao, a fisherman from Wuling, has an affair with landlord Yuan. Tao leaves home for Peach Blossom Spring. Upon his return to Wuling, Chunhua has married Yuan and had a child...

Embarking from Taipei to Shanghai, materializing an aspiration that unites Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Stepping into the realm of "Peach Blossom Land," the eternal allure of "Secret Love" persists. Those to witness the play won't be let down. Save the date for May 11th-12th, 2024, for the exclusive rendition of "Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land." Join Stan Lai on the mainland island nearest to the island of Taiwan, Pingtan, and meet at the Pingtan International Performing Arts Center. It's an event not to be missed.