China Focus comes back to Edinburgh Fringe

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China Focus, a collective project of excellent Chinese theater productions, kicked off its second-year edition at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Friday.

It brings five Chinese shows this year, including A life on the Silk Road, Tutu, A Chinese Bestiary, The Creation Myths of China and Painted Skin Return.

Inspired by the story of Zhang Qian being sent to the western regions, A life on the Silk Road absorbs the magical illusions of The Classic of Mountains and Seas and leads audiences to discover this well-known historical figure of China through a unique, sharp and exquisite way of combining multi-sensual and surreal multimedia image styles and musical styles.

Pan Xinchun, Consul General of Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh, speaking at the launch ceremony for China Focus at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, on Aug. 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Painted Skin Return is an experimental cross-cultural physical theater show based on Pu Songling's Strange Tales From A Chinese Studio. Chinese opera, classical dance, modern dance, mime and other performance elements are used to present folk culture and Chinese philosophy.

The Creation Myths of China contains several classic myths that most Chinese become familiar with since a young age, such as Nvwa Patches up the Sky, Jingwei Fills up the Sea, Yu the Great Tames the Floods.

China Focus is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's celebration of excellence in Chinese theater and dramatic production through high-quality art performances.

Officials from the Chinese embassy, Shanghai municipal government, Scottish, and Edinburgh officials, along with key artists from the China Focus program gathered together at the launch ceremony held in Edinburgh Friday for the celebration of leading contemporary talents from East to West.

Guests make a toast at the launch ceremony for China Focus at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, on Aug. 3, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Pan Xinchun, consul general of Chinese consulate general in Edinburgh, told the event that China Focus, which has triggered the pursuit of Chinese original works in the British cultural market, is one of the outstanding achievements of the golden era between China and Britain.

"It proves to be a dynamic strategy and platform to encourage innovation in the UK-China art industries," he said, expressing hope that the annual program will continue to grow as a mainstay of Edinburgh Fringe's Chinese cultural showcase.

(Cover image from Xinhua)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency