Huichang theater villages a stage for more vibrant future

The world's stage

Since the theater village's opening in January, hundreds of performances by troupes from both home and abroad have been staged there. Street performances, including clown shows, magic, puppetry, and improvisation in outdoor spaces, have attracted large crowds of visitors. The peak number of visitors in a single day exceeded 200,000, even though the population of the county is only 530,000.

Before its opening, the team that operates the theater village was very concerned that they would not receive enough performance applications. However, to their surprise, more than 100 troupes from around the world have applied, far exceeding their expectations, said Zou Min, manager of the team.

"I was touched when a performer from a French troupe told me in January that they'd like to come again. Huichang is just a small county. These artists gathered here for theater and the passionate audiences," said Zou.

Surrounded by mountains, Huichang has no direct flights. The nearest airport is a two-hour drive away, and traveling by train requires several transfers. The lack of transportation options hasn't dampened the passion of both tourists and visiting troupes.

During the May Day holiday, more than 250,000 visitors flocked to the theater village. In June, Italy's Sardinia Theatre company will bring Macbettu to Huichang, an alternative staging of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth.

"It's rare for locals to see foreign faces. This year, we are getting used to those foreign artists who love to interact with us through body language," Zou said.

The village also offers free venues and accommodation for young artists' experimental new plays, encouraging them to present their creative ideas. Even productions by theater students can be staged at the venues as long as they are creative.

A vocational school providing courses and programs in stage art and production was set up last year, accommodating 105 students, many of whom are local youth. Training courses for theater lovers of all ages are also available.

"We try our best to explore whether the involvement of theater can bring about some changes and influence our next generation," said Zou, who is also the mother of a 14-year old boy.

Zou, a local resident, discovered the art form after collaborating with the theater village several years ago. When her son watched his first play he was thrilled and couldn't wait to see more.

"We have lots of difficulties to deal with. The theater village is still in the infancy stage. It has planted the seeds of art. Years later, the seeds will grow into big trees," said Zou, pointing to an ancient banyan tree standing in the center of the village.

Under the big tree, a group of visitors interacted with a small troupe, singing and dancing. A little boy hid behind his mother, curiously watching one actor dressed in a bizarre costume.

Visitor Lin Peiying was captivated by the scene and decided to join the group. He had driven a long way from Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi, to spend a night immersed in theater. It was the second time he had visited the theater village in May.

He planned to watch Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land for a second time. The theaters, museums, coffee shops, and locals strolling around the village also attracted his attention.

"The village brings art and hope of a bright future to residents here. It's very vibrant and I love it. That's the power of theater," said Lin.

Contact the writers at dengzhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn