The Taiwan Literature Series play “Prisoner Escort – Rookie Police vs. Seasoned Pickpocket” by the Green Light Theater will begin its performances at the National Theater in Taipei on May 17th. After being absent for 9 years, the play is back with a collaboration with the Taiwan Railway Company. In addition to introducing the “Cuffed Creation” Taiwan Railway bento, on the evening of May 19th, Taiwan Railway Company Chairman Du Wei will make a guest appearance as the station master, bringing the authentic train scene onto the stage. Playwright Wu Nianzhen will personally take on the role of the station master. Fans who experienced the original show nine years ago are eagerly anticipating this.
“Prisoner Escort – Rookie Police vs. Seasoned Pickpocket” revolves around the 1960s Taiwan Railway express train, depicting the comedic incidents that ensue as rookie police officers escort veteran pickpockets. In the week leading up to the premiere, the entire cast engaged in intensive rehearsals. VIP guests who attended the dress rehearsal commented on being deeply moved and even shedding tears while laughing. Particularly moving is the tear-jerking character of Grandma Three-Wings, who suffers from dementia, created by playwright Wu Nianzhen. Podcaster Feng Jun from “Theatre Fan’s Diary” remarked, “While it appears to be a comedy on the surface, it hides a profoundly touching story behind the scenes.”
Clinical psychologist Liu Zhongbin stated, “It’s not just a simple escort process; it involves themes of family, friendship, and love.” The role of Grandma is portrayed by renowned musical theatre actress Zhang Danwei. She mentioned that her own real-life grandma and Grandma Three-Wings share similar hardships – both widowed early and raising grandchildren not biologically related to them. During rehearsals, she often felt a merging of her own character with Grandma’s.
“Prisoner Escort” is an adaptation of a short story by humorist Duan Caihua. For Wu Nianzhen, this work is a “peculiar” piece, as it deviates from the typically deep and cryptic literary works of that era. It is light-hearted, humorous yet full of mysteries. Rereading it now evokes no sense of temporal discordance, even prompting admiration for the author’s foresight and ability to “predict” future society through the story.
The stage adaptation of “Prisoner Escort” maintains the original work’s humorous depth while making it more accessible. A theater critic after watching the play commented, “It’s highly dramatic, seeming like a comedic farce but with hidden literary richness.”
As the countdown to the performance commences, lead actor Tang Congsheng stated that he will portray an evolved version of “Three-Wings” in 2024. He emphasized, “To label him as a mere thief or pickpocket underestimates him. In my eyes, his skills make him a ‘flying thief,’ his status a ‘heroic bandit,’ a figure exuding charm and exceptional leadership qualities at all times.”
For fellow lead actor Huang Diyang, the previous “Prisoner Escort” nine years ago marked his debut with the Green Light Theater. He describes himself back then as a true rookie. Now, alongside Tang Congsheng and new actors, revisiting the script after nine years, Huang Diyang expressed, “We’ve all grown, pushing each other to evolve.” Director Li Mingze praised Tang Congsheng’s seasoned pickpocket character as becoming richer with age, while Huang Diyang has transformed into a skilled rookie, heightening anticipation among fans.