海瑞
Between 1958 and 1963, "new historical drama" became a prominent form of theatre in China, and such drama was often used for indirect critique of contemporary politics. In 1959, Zhou was asked to write a play for the 10th anniversary celebration in Shanghai of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The story would be about Hai Rui, a Ming Dynasty official noted for his integrity but was dismissed from office for criticizing the Jiajing Emperor. Zhou wrote the play "Hai Rui Submits His Memorial" (海瑞上疏, "Hai Rui Shangshu") with Xu Siyan (), and the play was performed by the Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe.