CRI听力: 5i-A Grass Root Drama Club

Stage performers are usually regarded as professional actors. However, a group of non-professional actors and actresses are also impressing audiences. They are from different professions and backgrounds but their shared passion for acting has bonded them in friendship.

Reporter: (www.hxen.net)

The 5i Drama Club has presented eight dramas since it was established in 2006 and this time they've brought their latest original work to the stage — an environmental protection themed drama.

Nearly all of the actors and actresses, including the sound and visual effect producers are non-professionals. They have different jobs, but they also have similarities — their love of drama and the resolution for realizing their dreams. Zhang Wei is one of the founders of 5i Drama Club.

"Many young people feel great pressure from work. Our drama club is a great way to relax. Plus, many young people who were born after the 80s', including myself, had dreams of becoming an actor or actress. The 5i Drama Club is a way to realize our dreams."

Tian Lijun is a project manager in an IT company by day. He is practicing a dance with his partner. Spending time in rehearsal until one am in the morning is already common for him. But he says it's worth it.

"My job may not be as creative as what I do in our drama club. It's mostly routine. But acting is full of passion and creativity. It's of great fun to perform drama with these friends. My wife also joined this club. We sometimes have discussions about acting skills and coach each other. The time spent here has brought us a lot of joy. I really enjoy working with these inexperienced but dedicated and passionate people. We are like a family."

He Ti is a girl who just graduated from college and has some basic acting skills. She says her skills have been polished since she arrived here.

"In the past, my actions were not clear enough, because in drama, the audience are very close to the actors. Many moves need to be exaggerated so the audience knows what's going on. Like if you see something, you really need to make what's seen noticeable. Plus, when you are acting; you need to face the audience."

This is the 5i Drama Club's third original drama. The plot is smooth. Besides laughter, the audience even sheds tears along the way. They applaud these non-professional actors and actresses warmly. One audience member says she is really impressed.

"I really didn't expect a non-professional drama team could make a show so smooth. Their acting is fabulous. But I think part of the plot can be a bit faster, it dragged a bit. The background music matches the plot pretty well. I like them."

For the future of the drama club, Zhang Wei and her fellow actors are trying to run the club in a commercial mode.

"The biggest problem is we don't have a permanent stage for rehearsal and performance. And we lack funds, so everyone is spending more or less their own money on the show. We don't want to earn a lot of money by selling tickets; we just want to cover our expenses. But we really want to tell people, drama is not a high-end act. It can also relate closely to your life and the lives of those around us."

For China Drive, I am Li Dong.