The Lead

Both stories are about set in the past (The Lead - 1976-1990s and The Stage - Republican Era)
Both are about Chinese Opera (Qinqiang and Peking Opera)
Both showcase the behind the scenes of a Chinese Opera Troupe.

Both are story centre on Chinese Opera, The Lead - Qinqiang and The Chanting Willows - Yue Opera.
Both are set in the past, The Lead - 1976 to 1990s and The Chanting Willows - 1990s
Both showcase the decline of Chinese Opera in the 1990s and the struggles that come with it.