Chinese Children’s Theater Festival gives life lessons through art

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By CGTN's Shen Li

The 7th Children’s Theater Festival opened in Beijing on Friday with a performance of “Goats Do Not Eat Heaven Grass”, adapted from Chinese author Cao Wenxuan’s novel of the same title.

And if art does indeed imitate life, then Chinese kids have the chance to learn some interesting lessons.

Cao is the first Chinese author to win the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award.

"Goats Do Not Eat Heaven Grass", a story about growing up and conquering everyday hardships, centers on the life and adventures of a boy named Ming Zi, who was driven from a remote rural village and forced to make a living in a big city.

"Most children's theater is targeted at those between the ages of 3 and 7 and it's always more entertaining than educating. There's not much work for teens. This time, we've chosen to adapt Cao Wenxuan's work that shows the spiritual journey of a teenage boy, who left his hometown and tried to make a living in the big city," said Ying Xiaodong, President of China National Theater for Children.

"Cao's story doesn't intentionally hide the tragedies of daily life nor the sorrows that children may suffer, yet it emphasizes how to find the bright side of human nature and those precise characters despite difficulties and challenges. We want to let children learn more about the life mirrored in Cao's novel," Ying added.

A scene from 'Goats Do Not Eat Heaven Grass' /VCG Photo

The China National Theater for Children has made its plays accessible to youngsters of all ages, but especially those aged between 13 and 17.

"I’m leading a group of middle school students to the play. They’ve read Cao Wenxuan’s novel and this is a good opportunity to look at the story at a different angle," said Chen Jing, teacher from Beijing No.80 Middle School.

"In school, students learn theater classics, such as those from Shakespeare or Chinese author Cao Yu. But these are all from an adult's perspective, there's not really a theater work targeting teenagers. I believe this particular play can better resonate with my students. And, as an adult, I'm also deeply touched by the story and I find it very inspiring."

Now in its 7th edition, the China Children's Theater Festival features 48 dramas by 27 troupes from nine countries and regions.

There are also various workshops involving young audience members.

The event runs until August 20.

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