Theatrical director Meng Jinghui is bringing his well-received play Amber to the new National Grand Theater in Beijing.

The multimedia drama, starring actress Yuan Quan and Golden Horse-winning best actor Liu Ye, debuted in early 2005 and immediately became what critics call a "major blockbuster in China's drama circle."

The show has been invited to tour seven Asian cities, and will add to the National Grand Theater's first performance season with a ten-day run beginning on March 21.

Actress Yuan Quan promotes her drama Amber, which will open in March at the National Grand Theater, on Sunday, January 20, 2008. (photo: Xinhuanet)

Director Meng says he still sees the show as a surefire blockbuster three years after its opening.

"Amber will return with everything exactly the same. It is a powerful play in and of itself, and that charisma will undoubtedly be fully shown at the state-of-the-art Grand Theater," Meng said at a press conference on Sunday.

Actress Yuan Quan, who also attended the promotional event, calls her lovelorn character, Xiao You, originally a stimulus, a part of her life now. "That strong feeling will help me put on a heartfelt performance," she said.

Liu Ye is currently filming Lu Chuan's World War Two epic Nanking Nanking, and sent a video message to share his hopes for the show.

(CRI January 22, 2008)