Friends use festival to stage theater dreams

"After so many years, we still have lots of crazy ideas for theater," Meng says. "We love the idea of a theater festival, which allows us, as well as many other directors and performers, and those who love theater or are new to theater, to immerse themselves in a unique space, enjoying moments, hours and days of being surreal and wild.

"When we recall our younger days producing theater, we feel the same excitement as we did when we were making plans for this theater festival," Meng adds.

Chen says that he made the transition from actor to director through theater festivals. "We want to create a platform for young actors to develop their voices," Chen says.

As China's first seaside theater festival, the Aranya Theater Festival launched in 2021 under the theme, "Half-Water, Half-Stage". In 2022, it was postponed due to the pandemic and in 2023, it returned under the theme of "Howls and Whispers".

This year's theme is "Exception and Rule".

"What makes the festival special is the sea and the different architecture in the community," Meng says. "We put on shows that the audience can enjoy in traditional theaters, and we also surprise them with programs in unconventional locations."

About 15 distinctive buildings in the community, both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Solitary Library, the North Coast Chapel and the Aranya Art Center, have been adapted for use as theater venues. According to Ma Yin, founder of the community, new theaters will also be opened.

"When we launched the first Aranya festival, we were excited about bringing international artists to this seaside community. The second year, our plan was hindered by the pandemic, but our passion remained. Now, we are about to have our third festival, which will continue our goal of bringing international artists to China, and making it a great celebration of theater," Ma says.

Eight directors, who head top international theater festivals, will present productions this year.