Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant cultural contributions made by various intellectuals and artists in Guilin during the Anti-Japanese War, emphasizing the city's role as a cultural hub amidst the turmoil of war [8][20]. Cultural Significance - Guilin became a refuge for thousands of cultural figures from across China between 1938 and 1944, including notable personalities such as Ai Qing, Mao Dun, and Ba Jin, who contributed to the cultural resistance against Japanese aggression [9][12]. - The city was home to a flourishing publishing industry, producing 80% of the nation's books and periodicals during the war, which earned it the title of "Publishing City" [14][20]. Historical Context - The influx of cultural figures to Guilin was a response to the occupation of major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, leading to a vibrant cultural scene that included bookstores, publishers, and various cultural organizations [8][12]. - The establishment of the Guangxi Provincial Art Museum in 1940 marked a significant development in the cultural landscape, hosting the first Southwest Drama Exhibition in 1944, which featured over 80 performances and attracted more than 100,000 attendees [17][18]. Legacy and Modern Implications - The cultural legacy of Guilin during the Anti-Japanese War continues to influence contemporary cultural initiatives, with ongoing efforts to revitalize and promote the city's rich cultural heritage through museums, art festivals, and literary projects [21][22]. - The article suggests that the cultural resistance during the war serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural identity and creativity in times of national crisis, which remains relevant today [20][21].

Group 1 - The 12th Hebei Provincial Drama Festival concluded on the evening of September 10, featuring the performance of the newly adapted historical Peking opera "Dongyuan Great Doctor" [1] - The festival, which began on August 18, showcased over 20 performances from more than 30 artistic troupes in Hebei, attracting over 20,000 audience members [2] - "Dongyuan Great Doctor," based on the historical figure Li Dongyuan, tells the story of his journey in medicine and incorporates magic elements to depict his struggles, receiving widespread acclaim since its premiere in March 2023 [2] Group 2 - The Hebei Provincial Drama Festival has been held since 1985, adhering to the theme of "a grand event of art, a festival for the people," highlighting the artistic achievements of the province [2] - The festival has become a beloved cultural and artistic event among the public, showcasing a variety of art forms including drama, opera, dance, and acrobatics [2]

Group 1 - The 16th Zhejiang Provincial Drama Competition will be held in Ningbo, showcasing the highest level of stage arts in the province [1] - Zhejiang Arts Vocational College has the most entries in the final evaluation, with two works selected [1] - A media conference was held on August 13, featuring the creative teams of the play "Dream Paradise" and the Yue Opera "Yan's Night Escape" [1] Group 2 - The play "Dream Paradise" is a realistic original work created by students and teachers, depicting the urban changes in Hangzhou over thirty years through the narratives of "old and new Hangzhou residents" [2] - The director, Na Gang, highlighted that the play features 14 distinct characters, with extensive interviews conducted with local residents to incorporate their real stories into the narrative [2] - The Yue Opera "Yan's Night Escape" is adapted from the classic "Jie Fu Yin," focusing on the spiritual growth of ancient women breaking free from traditional constraints [2] - The creative team for "Yan's Night Escape" includes both internal and external experts, representing a bold attempt at cross-disciplinary integration [2] - The performance of "Dream Paradise" is scheduled for August 25 at the Yuyao Grand Theatre, while "Yan's Night Escape" will be performed on August 16 at the Ningbo Yifu Theatre [2]

Group 1 - The article highlights the artistic journey of Tian Qinxin, the president of the China National Drama Theatre, emphasizing her significant contributions to the theater industry [1][11] - Tian Qinxin's early life and experiences, including her rigorous training in gymnastics and traditional Chinese opera, shaped her resilience and passion for drama [2][4][7] - Her diverse educational background and experiences in various artistic fields have enriched her directorial skills, allowing her to create unique theatrical works [5][8] Group 2 - Tian Qinxin's artistic creations blend multiple elements, showcasing her deep understanding of dance, opera, and drama, which sets her work apart on stage [10][11] - Her innovative use of multimedia and technology in performances has brought traditional Chinese culture to life in contemporary settings, gaining both national and international acclaim [11][13] - The article emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and innovation in Tian Qinxin's work, reflecting a broader trend in the arts industry towards integrating traditional elements with modern expressions [8][11]

Core Perspective - The article highlights the unique contributions of Tian Qinxin, the director and president of the China National Theatre, emphasizing her focus on grand narratives and deep humanistic concerns in her theatrical works [1][10]. Group 1: Artistic Vision and Influence - Tian Qinxin describes drama as her "best friend," emphasizing its irreplaceable artistic value and the unique interaction between actors and the audience [2][4]. - Her works, such as "Life and Death Field" and "Green Snake," showcase her ability to blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary artistic concepts, creating innovative stage expressions [4][5]. - The recent production "Su Di Chun Xiao" reflects her exploration of historical narratives and the human experience, revealing the depth of the character Su Dongpo [5][7]. Group 2: Leadership and Cultural Responsibility - As the first female president of the China National Theatre, Tian Qinxin aims to innovate and promote Chinese drama on the international stage, emphasizing the importance of cultural storytelling [10][12]. - The theatre has initiated programs to support young directors, encouraging them to create works that reflect contemporary societal themes and the essence of Chinese culture [12]. - Tian Qinxin envisions the theatre as a platform for showcasing the richness of Chinese language and culture to a global audience, aiming to enhance the international perception of Chinese artistic heritage [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - The play "Du Fu" presents a unique portrayal of the poet Du Fu, emphasizing his life experiences and the historical context of his poetry, allowing audiences to engage with the emotional depth and cultural significance of his work [1][2][8]. Group 1: Play Overview - "Du Fu" premiered in 2019 and is a historical drama focusing on the poet's life during the An Lushan Rebellion, highlighting his struggles and relationships with contemporaries like Li Bai and Gao Shi [2]. - The narrative explores Du Fu's journey from a promising start to a life marked by political setbacks and personal hardships, reflecting his deep compassion for the suffering of the people [2][3]. - The play aims to present Du Fu not only as a great poet but also as a relatable human being, showcasing his noble spirit amidst life's challenges [2][3]. Group 2: Artistic Expression - The production incorporates innovative aesthetic expressions, blending romantic poetry with realistic portrayals of Du Fu's life, creating a multi-layered narrative experience [5][6]. - The set design features modern elements that enhance the traditional themes, allowing for a dynamic representation of various scenes from Du Fu's life and poetry [6]. - The creative team strives to balance classical and modern elements in the script, direction, performance, and stage design, aiming to capture the essence of Du Fu's cultural significance [6]. Group 3: Audience Engagement - Since its premiere, "Du Fu" has been well-received, with multiple revivals and a growing audience, indicating its lasting appeal and relevance [7]. - The play invites viewers to reflect on the turbulent historical period of Du Fu's life while experiencing the power and beauty of his poetry [3][4].

Core Points - The 19th China Drama Festival will be held in Hangzhou from September 5 to 25, showcasing 42 outstanding performances from various regions and genres [1][2] - The festival aims to promote talent cultivation, creative development, and display excellent achievements in national drama [1][3] - This year's selected works feature diverse themes and forms, integrating contemporary spirit while responding to modern audience aesthetics [3][4] Group 1: Festival Overview - The festival is organized by multiple cultural and governmental bodies, highlighting its significance in promoting Chinese drama [1] - A total of 42 performances will be featured, including 29 main performances in Hangzhou and 12 supporting performances from Wenzhou [1] - The selected works encompass 20 different drama genres, including traditional Chinese opera, modern plays, and innovative performances [1][3] Group 2: Thematic Diversity - The festival includes works focusing on revolutionary history, human stories, and various social themes, aiming to convey ideals and beliefs [2][3] - New adaptations of traditional dramas and innovative modern plays will be presented, showcasing a blend of classic and contemporary storytelling [3][4] - The inclusion of local cultural representations, such as Hunan Qiju and Xinjiang Quzi opera, emphasizes the festival's commitment to regional diversity [4] Group 3: Audience Engagement and Accessibility - The festival promotes cultural accessibility with a minimum ticket price of 50 yuan and offers 10,000 subsidized tickets [4] - Various activities, including "drama flash mobs" and campus outreach, aim to engage the community and encourage participation [4] - Special discounts for local tourism experiences will be available for ticket holders, enhancing the integration of drama and tourism [4]

Core Perspective - The article discusses the rising popularity of the Yue opera "My Grand View Garden" and its impact on cultural tourism consumption, prompting industry reflection on creatively transforming the profound wisdom and unique aesthetics of traditional opera into contemporary art forms like drama and film, thereby expanding the boundaries of the national performance system [1][2]. Group 1: Traditional Opera Aesthetics - Traditional Chinese opera is rich and profound, providing a source of inspiration for the nationalization of the Chinese drama performance system [1]. - The essence of adapting opera aesthetics lies in borrowing its thinking methods rather than rigidly imitating its formal actions [1][2]. - The character-building "programmatic thinking" in Chinese opera, based on roles like Sheng, Dan, Jing, and Chou, creates a refined language system for character types, allowing actors to capture the essence of their roles [1]. Group 2: Successful Adaptation Examples - Successful adaptations do not aim to replicate the appearance of opera but instead integrate its essence into the rhythm and stylistic awareness of the actors' performances [2]. - Notable works such as Wang Xiaoying's play "Fu Sheng" and Tian Qinxin's "Green Snake" exhibit the spirit of traditional opera without overt opera symbols, showcasing the essence of Eastern aesthetics [2]. - The use of space in traditional opera, characterized by simplicity and the interplay of reality and illusion, is particularly valuable for adaptation, as seen in the bamboo raft scene in the play "Chinese Dream" [2]. Group 3: Contemporary Artistic Expression - The adaptation of opera aesthetics is a contemporary inquiry into tradition, seeking to express national spirit in a modern context, which is not a mere replication of ancient art forms [2]. - This approach allows the Chinese aesthetic gene to rejuvenate on the contemporary stage, paving the way for broader horizons in Chinese theatrical performance art through innovation while maintaining core values [2].

Core Points - The 12th Wuzhen Theatre Festival will be held from October 16 to 26, with the theme "Fuyiao," inspired by Zhuangzi's "Xiaoyao You" [1] - The festival will feature 25 outstanding performances from 10 countries, including Germany, France, Canada, and Norway, across six major sections [3] - The opening performance will be "The City of Humans Marathon Play," a nine-hour production based on ancient Greek mythology, directed by German theatre master Karin Beier [3][4] Group 1 - The festival will present 71 performances, with ticket sales for invited productions starting on August 17 and September 3 [3] - The opening play, "The City of Humans Marathon Play," is a collaboration that took five years to create, integrating ancient myths into contemporary society [3][4] - The production involves 72 professionals and over 90 actors from the Hamburg Deutsche Theater, bringing a significant theatrical experience to Chinese audiences [4] Group 2 - The festival will showcase renowned international artists, including Canadian theatre master Robert Lepage and Japanese director Suzuki Tadashi, among others [6] - Various adaptations of classic works will be presented, exploring contemporary issues through innovative interpretations [7] - The "Dancing with Joy" section will feature physical theatre and dance performances, highlighting diverse artistic expressions [8] Group 3 - The festival will also include ongoing segments such as the Youth Competition and the Ancient Town Carnival, with registration deadlines approaching [10] - Collaborations with brands like Bubble Mart and Universal Beijing Resort will introduce special themed activities and merchandise [10] - The festival aims to create a vibrant artistic hub by relocating the theatre market to a new scenic area along the canal [10]

Core Points - The 12th Wuzhen Theatre Festival will take place from October 16 to 26, featuring 25 performances from 10 countries, with a total of 71 shows [1][3] - The festival's theme is "Fuyiao," and ticket sales will begin on August 17 and September 3 on the Damai platform [1] Group 1: Featured Performances - The festival will showcase a variety of performances, including 15 international works from countries such as Germany, France, Canada, and Japan, alongside 10 Chinese productions [3][5] - The opening performance will be a marathon play titled "The City of Humans," directed by German contemporary theatre master Karin Beier, lasting 9 hours and featuring 72 professionals and over 90 actors [3][5] Group 2: Notable Directors and Works - Renowned directors such as Canadian Robert Lepage and Japanese Suzuki Tadashi will present upgraded classic works, including "Cocot and Davis" and "The Nose" respectively [5][6] - Young directors will reinterpret classic literature, with works like "The Woman with the Dog" by Chekhov and "Macbeth in the Storage Room," focusing on contemporary themes [6][7] Group 3: Festival Activities - The festival will include a youth competition and a carnival, with registration ongoing until August 20 [7] - New initiatives such as the "Starting Drama" unit and the "Women, We" female director unit will be introduced to enhance audience engagement [7][8] - The festival will also feature workshops and reading sessions, providing opportunities for audiences to interact with international theatre artists [8]