Thunderstorm

play by Cao Yu

Also known as: “Leiyu”

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July 14, 2026

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Thunderstorm is a four-act tragedy written by Cao Yu, a pioneer of modern Chinese drama. First published in 1934 and performed in 1935, the play brought Cao Yu immediate fame. It is considered a masterpiece of modern Chinese theatre and explores themes of fatalism, retribution, and incest within a wealthy industrialist family. The play's success marked a significant advancement in Chinese drama, which was influenced by Western theatre.12

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Cao Yu
…the four-act tragedy Leiyu (Thunderstorm; later adapted for film [1938] and as a dance-drama [1981]), was published. When it was performed in 1935 it instantly won Cao Yu fame as a huaju writer. His next works were Richu (1936; Sunrise; adapted as an opera [1982] and for film [1938…
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…the four-act tragedy Leiyu (Thunderstorm; later adapted for film [1938] and as a dance-drama [1981]), was published. When it was performed in 1935 it instantly won Cao Yu fame as a huaju writer. His next works were Richu (1936; Sunrise; adapted as an opera [1982] and for film [1938…
Read More

Chinese literature
1927–37
…whose first play, Leiyu (1934; Thunderstorm), a tale of fatalism, retribution, and incestual relations among members of a rich industrialist’s family, met with phenomenal success. It was followed over the next several years by other critically and popularly acclaimed plays, including Richu (1936; Sunrise) and Yuanye (1937; Wilderness), all of…
Read More
…whose first play, Leiyu (1934; Thunderstorm), a tale of fatalism, retribution, and incestual relations among members of a rich industrialist’s family, met with phenomenal success. It was followed over the next several years by other critically and popularly acclaimed plays, including Richu (1936; Sunrise) and Yuanye (1937; Wilderness), all of…
Read More