Zhang Juzheng, a play written by Xiong Zhaozheng, winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, and co-directed by Feng Yuanzheng and Yan Rui, adopts an alternating dual narrative of reality and unreality to depict the inner journey of Zhang Juzheng, grand secretary of the Ming Dynasty, during his reforms. From the mortal world to the wider realm, from the rivers and lakes to the imperial court, dramatic conflict runs throughout the work, which, amid echoes of history, inquires into the fate and aspirations of the reformer.On stage, three dragon thrones of different sizes and eight red pillars form a freehand stage design. The cinematic theatre production uses distinctive narrative shots to capture the cast’s delicate and precise performances, fully amplifying the stage audio-visual effects and creating a beauty of oriental artistic conception.