Promotional material for Laojiuguan Photo: Courtesy of National Theatre of China

The modern drama Laojiuguan, focusing on individuals in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), is set to be staged at the National Theatre of China from Friday to Saturday.

The story is set during a period when Dalian, a city in Northeast China's Liaoning Province that boasts many laojiuguan (old Chinese-style pubs), had been occupied by Japanese invaders.

In the drama, one of these old pubs serves as a public space where all kinds of people may come, take a seat, and grab a drink, bringing news and messages to each other. The pub is run by Chen Huaihai, a patriotic and right-eous man who has suffered from the Japanese invasion.

In his small pub, Chen does many extraordinary things. He gets acquainted with Fang, a storyteller who would rather die than be dishonored when facing Japanese invaders and he protects a man who once killed a Japanese military policeman, providing refuge in his pub.   

He also persuades a fleeing brigade commander to go back to fight against the Japanese invaders. As time passes, he turns his pub into a secret base for the Communist Party of China.

Since its debut in February 2022, the play has been constantly refined. In October 2023, it was selected as one of the plays for the 12th Liaoning Art Festival exhibition.