Taking a new role

And, he insists on taking original productions abroad without modifying them.

"A stage classic has to be showcased just as it is, no matter where it goes or whether there is language barrier," he says.

"It's to respect overseas audiences who knows art well."

In a related development, he says that Sima Qian will be performed in Russia later this year.

Speaking about how to promote Chinese productions abroad, he says: "History-based productions which showcase our traditional costumes, rituals and architecture interest overseas audiences. But we still need time to figure out how to make our dramas which reflect modern Chinese life become more widely accepted."

Besides performances, Feng feels academic exchanges between Chinese stage actors and their overseas counterparts should be enhanced.

After the interview which was conducted during a break in the conference proceedings, Feng returned to his seat to focus on the other members' speeches.

And he took notes "to record good ideas" as he puts it.

Feng once served as a legislator for the Dongcheng district of Beijing.

And he recalls that he then used to mainly focus on the specific concerns of the local community.

"However, I need to have a much bigger focus now," he says.

Hopefully, he can make a bigger difference for the country than he did as An Jiahe.