From Realism to Neo-Realism

As theatre master brought up in new culture in May 4th period,Cao Yu's life was correlated intimately with Chinese drama.In mid 1930s,Chinese modern drama began to grow up when Cao Yu established his fame internationally with his well-conceived works such as Thunderstorm, Sunrise,and Wild Field.During early period of new China's foundation,Cao Yu's creative status represented the whole situation of Chinese drama.After the Cultural Revolution,Cao Yu began to go deep into self-reflection in his late years.While he congratulated drama's renaissance in 1980s,he was much anxious about the drama itself and his fading creative ability.Unfortunately,Cao Yu passed away when Chinese drama eventually welcome a new age.Does the death of the master imply the end of an epoch? Does Cao Yu only belong to the past? Do his classic works only habitat in our memory? When we retrospect,we find that his creative spirit and values of works would never be outdated.On contrast,his masterpieces and discourses on drama would ever inspire us and encourage us.Perhaps,this is the current significance of the commemoration of his 100th anniversary.