Four decades ago, the first small-theater production made its debut in China at Beijing People's Art Theatre, a move that's widely recognized as a milestone that fundamentally shaped the trajectory of Chinese contemporary theater.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this groundbreaking event, BPAT is now staging a drama production called The Bench, written by Russian playwright Alexander Isaakovich Gelman, directed by Yang Jiayin. Starring Yu Zhen and Xin Yue, this two-hander offers a convincing and moving portrait of middle-aged characters involved in love, life and lies that cannot be fixed.