Last Chinese Emperor's life as citizen featured in new play

From left to right: co-directors of "Citizen" Meng Bing, Lin Zhaohua and the famous mainland actor Feng Yuanzheng who will play the role of Emperor Puyi. "Citizen," a drama depicting the life of China's last emperor, Puyi, will debut on the stage of the Beijing People's Art Theater on Sep 18th, 2014. [Photo/ent.ifeng.com]

Regal romance between Tibetans and Han

China's east and west in concert

"Citizen," a drama depicting the life of China's last emperor, Puyi, will debut on the stage of the Beijing People's Art Theater on next Thursday.

Unlike most stage-plays about the historical figure, this drama explores how Puyi adapted to life as an ordinary citizen in the 1960s.

Meng Bing is the co-director of the drama.

"After being released from a re-education camp, Puyi returned to Beijing. The first thing he had to do was register at the local police station. That is when he became a regular citizen."

Played by famous mainland actor Feng Yuanzhen, the drama also incorporates Chinese folk vocal arts.

Puyi ascended the throne in 1908, but was later forced to abdicate. In the 1930s, he became a puppet Emperor controlled by the Japanese until the end of the Second World War.