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The Stories of Our Time's Old Dad Returns! Fan Kuang-yao Takes on an Astonishing Challenge as a 70-Year-Old

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A new stage play titled "The Urban Renewal Men" is set to premiere in Taipei, focusing on the theme of urban renewal and relationships.
  • The play features a cast including actors like Fan Ruijun, who portrays a mature woman with a complex relationship, and actor Fan Kuang-yao, who plays a 70-year-old father despite being 51.
  • The production blends humor, drama, and musical elements, with performances scheduled in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung.

The stage play "The Urban Renewal Men," produced by Wang Wei-chung, is preparing for its premiere at the Taipei Performing Arts Center on August 14. Despite its theme of urban renewal, the production is described as a lighthearted comedy. Actor Fan Ruijun, known for her dramatic roles, takes on the persona of a mature woman grappling with her life and relationship, impressing Wang Wei-chung with her comedic timing.

I haven't played a young man, so I directly played an old man!

โ€” Fan Kuang-yaoFan Kuang-yao humorously reflects on his casting as a 70-year-old father in the play, referencing his earlier role in "The Stories of Our Time."

Fan Ruijun's character is in a relationship with her retired boyfriend, played by Tseng Yung-kang. Their dynamic is characterized by playful arguments and deep affection, with Tseng Yung-kang praising Fan Ruijun's expressive performance. The play explores the relationships between residents of a building facing urban renewal, as well as the bonds within families and friendships.

Adding to the comedic elements, stand-up comedian Chuang Chuang portrays a disgruntled husband opposite Bao Hua (Tsai Kun-yen), who plays his wife. Their relationship, initially marked by miscommunication, evolves into a more intimate and humorous dynamic after an unexpected event. Other cast members, including Wang Yi-hsuan, Tseng Pei-yu, and Chai-chao, also contribute to the play's diverse performances, which include singing, rapping, and ensemble numbers.

Fan Ruijun not only has good acting skills, but her comedic outburst this time is too precise and too funny, she is simply a 'comedy master'.

โ€” Wang Wei-chungProducer Wang Wei-chung praises Fan Ruijun's performance in the play, highlighting her unexpected comedic talent.

Notably, Fan Kuang-yao, who previously played a father figure at a much younger age in "The Stories of Our Time," returns to a paternal role as a 70-year-old father. He humorously notes his transition from playing a younger character's father to now embodying an elderly patriarch. His portrayal of the unlikable father figure is described as vivid and infuriating, making his daughter, played by Wang Yi-hsuan, a sympathetic character. The play promises a blend of humor, emotional depth, and musical talent, with performances extending to Kaohsiung and Taichung.

Fan Ruijun's eyes are big and agile, full of emotion, and her crying and laughing are extremely infectious. Acting opposite her really gets into the scene quickly.

โ€” Tseng Yung-kangActor Tseng Yung-kang describes his co-star Fan Ruijun's expressive and engaging performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.