Lao She pictured in 1962. The author is known for his depictions of grassroots people. [Photo by Ma Qiao/For China Daily]

Little-known story

Shu Ji, 86, Lao She's eldest daughter, said her father wrote more than 50 short stories, and those being adapted for Fang's play were authored while he was teaching at Cheeloo and Shandong universities in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

"His language is simple but sharp. The characters he wrote decades ago are still relevant in contemporary society," Shu said.

She is supportive of Fang's adaptations of her father's works, and under her recommendation he is working on a version of Lao She's novel The Story of Niu Tianci, which was published in 1934.

"Compared with Lao She's other works, The Story of Niu Tianci is little-known. But Shu Ji likes it very much and it's a pity to ignore such a great novel," Fang said. "The story is about a young man's struggle against his social environment. I am sure that audiences will find the story interesting and connect to it. I am very excited about the play."

To mark the anniversary of Lao She's birth, Fang will tour his plays nationwide, including Mr Ma and Son and Lao She's Six Stories, starting in Tianjin on April 24.

Lao She's genius is not limited to his plays and novels. He also made a significant contribution to Quju Opera, a traditional art form believed to be the only local opera in Beijing. In 1952, Lao She wrote the play The Willow Well, and later called it Quju.

Since the founding of the Beijing Quju Opera Troupe in 1959, nearly 10 of Lao She's works have been adapted for the art form, including Rickshaw Boy, Teahouse and Four Generations Under One Roof.

Beneath the Red Banner, written in 1961 and 1962, is the author's unfinished autobiographical novel. In it, he tells of his childhood and family, including portrayals of his father, a soldier who served as a guard with a poor salary, who was killed during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, and his mother, who supported the entire family.

For the anniversary celebrations, the Beijing Quju Opera Troupe will present performances adapted from Lao She's works in August, according to Sun Dongxing, its director.

"The greatness of Lao She lies in his deep understanding and portrayal of human nature as well as traditional Beijing culture. There is always something connected to our lives through his works," he said.