Tang Xianzu Theater Festival raises curtains in Fuzhou, Jiangxi

The Tang Xianzu Theater Festival and International Theater Exchange Month raised its curtains in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province on Sept. 28. The city is the hometown of renowned Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) playwright Tang Xianzu, known as the "Shakespeare in the East." 

The opening ceremony of the Tang Xianzu Theater Festival & International Theater Interchange Month is held in Fuzhou city, Jiangxi province on Sept. 28, 2018. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China SCIO]

At the opening ceremony of the festival, Chinese and foreign troupes put on an array of unique performances, such as the Jinxi hand-cranked lion lamp, the Nanfeng Nuo Dance, the Xu River Gaoqiang Opera, as well as British modern dance drama, Spanish opera.

Yi Lianhong, acting governor of Jiangxi province, said in his speech that Tang Xianzu is a bridge and link for deepening friendship and seeking common development. He said he hopes to take this event as a new starting point to carry out more in-depth cultural exchange programs with people from other countries in order to further promote Chinese dreams, and to present a more splendid cultural festival.

Hu Siche, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said at the event that he had the honor to meet with Chinese and foreign guests again in Fuzhou to experience the unique charms of Chinese theater. 

"We sincerely hope that through various channels such as drama exchanges, we can make more friends on the international stage," he said.

"Tang Xianzu is from Fuzhou, but belongs to China and the world," said Xiao Yi, secretary of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee. He added that Fuzhou will use Tang Xianzu's work to tell Chinese stories, promote cultural exchanges, and enhance friendship with the world.

Photo taken on Sept. 29 shows the Tang Xianzu Memorial Museum in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province in eastern China. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China SCIO]

Tang Xianzu's major plays are collectively called the "Four Dreams of Linchuan," with "Peony Pavilion" as one of the most famous. In recent years, the "Four Dreams of Linchuan" have been performed in the U.K., Spain, the U.S., Germany and other countries.