Musical 'Elisabeth' cast highlights China-EU friendship through music

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. To celebrate this milestone, two renowned European musical theater stars took to the stage in China.

Maya Hakvoort and Mate Kamaras, best known for their iconic roles as "Elisabeth" and "Death" in the classic musical "Elisabeth," performed highlights from the show along with songs from other beloved musicals during a concert at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on April 22.

"China was always very far away. We only had the restaurants in Europe," said Hakvoort from the Netherlands, adding that she's glad to see people in China and Europe are now able to visit each other's countries.

"This 50 years' anniversary is bravo! I congratulate! Because of that, I can be able to work here, to know more about you," she said.

"This is amazing! I came when a new 50-year [period] started," said Kamaras from Hungary, who performed in China for the first time.

"I was wondering how life is in China. Then I got to know WeChat, paying with WeChat, ordering taxi – everything in one app," he told CGTN. "In Europe, we use many apps. We have so many things to catch up with China [on]."

He also shared his experience with Chinese electric cars. "I was blown away! What quality! And the drone flew out of the top of the car [in the ad]. I was like, 'Wow! The future is here!'"

"It was all far away 30 years ago, and it's not now anymore. So, I think we should keep on going in this direction," Hakvoort said.

The only foreign Magnolia Award winner of 2025

On February 27, Hakvoort received the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award for her role as "Lady Macbeth" in the Chinese-produced musical "Lady M" staged last year. She was the only foreign artist to win one of China's most prestigious stage performance awards this year.

"First of all, I was very happy that I was nominated," she told CGTN, recalling her excitement at the ceremony. "I was like, 'Wow, Maya, you did it! You got one of the biggest awards in China.'"

Hakvoort, who has been active in China in recent years, attended the ceremony where she also watched performances of Chinese musicals and operas – and expressed a desire to learn more in the future.

"I do like it that the audience [in China] loves to see also the Western musicals that are brought now here to China. It's all very open," said Hakvoort. "I have the feeling it starts now to blend together. Our mentality and our art with your art and mentality ... that is very nice to see."

Global cooperation and connection

Reflecting on the current global climate, Hakvoort emphasized the importance of cooperation and unity.

"I think it's so important that the rest of the world is trying, again, to take care of their own people, take care of other nations and explore the nations that are willing to work together. Because only in this way, can we survive here on this earth," she said. "If a nation thinks that they want to do it differently, we can't help them."

"It's lovely to see that China really takes care ... it takes care of us; it takes care of their own people. I feel it," said the Dutch actress.

For Kamaras, cultural exchange plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding.

"When different cultures are meeting and getting to know each other, that's a wonderful opportunity to get closer," he said.

"At the moment, it goes the opposite way. But the internet and the young generation is the hope that they're going to get connected," Kamaras said. "I really love this idea of globalization and cultural exchange. Hopefully, one day [it will] lead to a very peaceful and very friendly world."

Videographer: Li Bancheng, Ge Hang

Video editor: Guo Meiping

Cover image: Li Yueyun