Not only are classic fairy tales evolving and taking to the stage, but so are old cartoon characters. Just like Tintin is to western cartoon lovers, Chinese cartoon character Sanmao, a wretched boy with only three thin locks of hair, has entertained the Chinese masses for more than half a century. The drama stage version of Sanmao stories will be here before you know it. But the big challenge is that actors on stage will be performing with 3D animated ones.

With the new technical age, it was only a matter of time that Sanmao would go digital. This is perhaps the most high-tech demanding stage drama in China. Computer experts are the major part of the drama team. They are busy recording real actors' moves and digitalizing them simultaneously so that the visual actors can move in a realistic manner.

The "digital drama" will put a new lease on life for the old Sanmao stories, most of which were set in the old China in the 1930s. Director Lin Zhaohua is in his 60s. For him, the wretched boy "Sanmao" was one of his favorite childhood pals.

"Sanmao" is chased by someone. He's got to escape fast. Suddenly a giant, fat guy comes at him. He lifts the real-person "Sanmao" with a finger and throws him aside. Then the limelight switches to the big-screen where the 3D "Sanmao" continues to fall down.

Sanmao is finally coming of age. With his already popular image, he's got no where to go but up. Young fans will be able to appreciate what has been considered a childhood favorite for years.

(CCTV.com June 16, 2004)