As the play's leading actor, Hu Jun, who works with the Beijing People's Art Theatre, portrays Zhou Puyuan, a character who represents the rigid authority and moral ambiguity at the heart of the story. Hu notes the special significance of his role, particularly given that Cao Yu famously played Zhou Puyuan in a 1937 production.

"This is a unique challenge," Hu, 56, says. "I am honored to bring my interpretation of the character to the stage, not simply repeating the past but reimagining it with our modern sensibilities."

Lu Fang, another highly respected actress from the Beijing People's Art Theatre, plays the role of Fan Yi, the tragic heroine at the heart of the play. Lu Fang has previously worked with Li on numerous productions but emphasizes that this role is a departure from anything she has played.

"Fan Yi is a deeply empathetic and complex character," the 52-year-old actress says. "In preparing for this role, I am reminded of Cao Yu's own words — she is a character with strength in the face of her suffering."