Wuzhen Theater Festival: Samuel Beckett's classic Waiting for Godot one of the highlights as international plays return

One of the biggest highlights at this year's Wuzhen Theater Festival is the return of international productions and artists. Our reporter Wang Siwen interviews the cast behind Waiting for Godot, a masterpiece of twentieth century theater.

The Wuzhen Theater Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary, bringing a wide range of masterpieces to the city of Wuzhen.

WANG SIWEN Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province "One of this year's highlights will be the return of international plays. In total, there are 28 specially invited plays, with 14 of them originating from abroad, spanning 11 different countries."

As one of the most anticipated international works this year, Waiting for Godot, written by Irish author Samuel Beckett, is considered one of the greatest of the twentieth century.

Greek director Theodoros Terzopoulos has taken up the challenge of bringing it to new audiences, in his second appearance at the festival.

The stars of the play are Enzo Vetrano and Stefano Randisi, who've been cooperating since 1976.

STEFANO RANDISI Actor, Waiting for Godot "We've been cooperating for almost fifty years. It's just like one of the lines in Waiting for Godot. How long we have been together? Fifty years."

This is the first time the duo have performed in Wuzhen, and they say it's brought them fresh ideas and inspiration.

STEFANO RANDISI Actor, Waiting for Godot "We really like the theater festival concept, as it involves putting productions from the world on stage together. We haven't had the chance to see other works yet, but we feel really excited, which is all part of the festival, too."

Waiting for Godot is a classic that's seen many different versions and performances, but the cast believe they've managed to offer something new with their production.

STEFANO RANDISI Actor, Waiting for Godot "The innovation lies in creating a physical space that represents a group of people who can't see the future, or find hope. They're still waiting, still looking for hope. But what are they waiting for? It's impossible to achieve, this so-called hope."

The play is in Italian, but one of the actors says it transcends language, culture, even time.

PAOLO MUSIO Actor, Waiting for Godot "It carries strong and sincere emotions, including the feeling of human suffering, conveyed through emotional voices and bodily movements. This transcends language and can be understood by all people, on a universal level."

The festival serves as a platform for global communication. And if sales are anything to go by, audiences are clearly eager to see more international masterpieces back on stage. WSW, CGTN, ZJ PROVINCE.