Promotional material for The Unknown Heroes Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Poly Theatre

The cast and crew of the expansive stage play The Unknown Heroes held a press conference at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday. Commemorating the birth of the Communist Party of China, the play is scheduled to be staged from June 28 to July 1.

Taking the audience back to Shanghai after the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, the play tells the story of the protagonist Xiang Jinxi, who executes an undercover mission disguised as a chef and grows into a revolutionary hero. The play is adapted from the novel of the same name by renowned writer Hai Fei, who also wrote the play.

Hai stated that although the protagonist never left Shanghai in his lifetime, he reached "Yan'an," a former revolutionary base of the Communist Party of China, in a hidden yet heroic manner. This also has practical significance for young people living in China today, as it is in line with the spirit of the times. The play's theme blends the nuanced humanity and poetic qualities of literature, bringing a touching story to the stage.