Celebrating China's theater legacy with veteran artists and new talents

Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, will become a vibrant stage for the 19th China Theatre Festival from Friday to Sept 25. The festival is a grand cultural event organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Theatre Association.

This year's event aims to showcase the rich diversity of China's theater landscape, bringing together a stunning array of performances from across the nation.

Founded in 1988, the festival has become a cornerstone of Chinese theatrical culture, fostering talent, encouraging creation, and promoting excellence in drama.

Held every two years, it has grown into one of the most prestigious platforms for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. This year, the festival will present 42 theatrical productions out of 73 selected from across China, spanning 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

The performances will encompass a diverse range of genres, including traditional Chinese opera, modern drama, ballet and opera. Puppetry will also be included in the festival for the first time.

According to the organizers, what sets this edition apart is the festival's focus on striking a balance between tradition and innovation. One of the key highlights is the celebration of the spirit of "10 years to perfect a play", which encourages the long-term development and refinement of works.

Productions for the festival include the Peking Opera Qi Baishi by the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing, which follows the life story of art master Qi Baishi (1864-1957), one of the country's most celebrated artists; and the dance drama Cavalry, by the Inner Mongolia Art Theatre, which tells the story of a young man who grows from a village student into a courageous hero of the cavalry during wartime in the 1940s. Both productions have evolved over the years, winning national accolades, and are ready to return to the stage with further refinements.

The festival's organizing committee notes that this edition of the festival will highlight traditional Chinese operas, including Qinqiang Opera, Cantonese Opera, and Kunqu Opera. These productions are adapted from well-known folk legends, which are grounded in the country's cultural heritage and aim to offer both nostalgic value and artistic depth.

While preserving tradition, the event will also showcase technological innovation in Chinese theatrical productions. Productions such as The Great National Craftsmen and Two Capitals, Fifteen Days integrate multimedia elements to enhance their storytelling.

The festival also features experimental productions, such as Star Returning, a collaborative work by artists from home and abroad, which honors Yi ethnic culture and breaks geographical and cultural barriers to offer a cross-regional perspective on stage.

In addition to live performances, the festival will feature renowned performers and winners of top Chinese theater awards, including China's Plum Blossom Award and Wenhua Award. These celebrated artists will be joined by emerging talents, making for a dynamic blend of seasoned expertise and youthful energy.

The festival's commitment to nurturing new talent is also reflected in its training programs, which aim to cultivate the next generation of theater talent.