The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial by Beijing People's Art Theatre

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by American author Herman Wouk. Set against the backdrop of the 1944 mutiny on the USS Caine, the story artistically portrays the military court trial of the incident.

This production is a classic of the Beijing People’s Art Theatre and is regarded as a “textbook-level” stage work, exemplifying the essence of traditional drama. Since its premiere in 1988, it has remained a staple of the theatre’s repertoire. The play relies less on complex stage movements and more on the distinctive dialogue of its characters, which gradually reveals the full scope of the mutiny. The carefully crafted twist at the end adds a powerful element of dramatic tension.