(CFP)

Rhinoceros in Love, the masterpiece of China's prestigious drama director Meng Jinghui, were staged on August 7-12 at the Poly Theater in Beijing, marking a run that will include the play's commemorative thousandth performance.

Since its debut in 1999, five versions of the tragic romance have been performed in front of 368,000 people in 36 cities worldwide.

Rhinoceros in Love shows the love story of a rhino feeder, Ma Lu, and his pretty neighbor Ming Ming. The rhinoceros' poor vision serves as a metaphor in the story, symbolizing those who are deeply in love and yet blinded by the sadness of unrequited love.

Meng, 48, is one of the most influential drama directors in Asia. Meng's most influential plays include Comrade Ah Q, Waiting for Godot, Accidental Death of An Anarchist, Rhinoceros in Love and The Balcony.