By CGTN's Liu Wenwen and Yang Ran
The development of China's cultural industry has become a hot topic in recent years, and the China National Theater for Children (CNTC) has some great experiences to share on this theme. The theater has been active in international exchanges, which proved to be crucial for its development.
“Little Prince” by CNTC
The show, "Three Monks" is based on the ancient Chinese proverb, "One monk will shoulder two buckets of water, two monks will share the load, but add a third and no one will want to fetch water."
This story teaches a gentle, humorous lesson about responsibility. The charming performance helps engage young children and compliment this well-known Chinese folktale. In just about two years, the cast and crew have toured in more than ten countries around the world.
In May, the cast and crew of "Three Monks" will tour Africa, a continent the theater has never set foot on. The CNTC will also send a performing troupe to participate in a children's theater festival in Denmark later this year.
"In the first 50 or so years of our theater's history, we had only been to eight countries. The change is drastic! We now attach great importance to international cultural exchanges. We attach importance to 'going out', the introduction of China's outstanding drama works all over the world, and we also invite outstanding foreign drama works and talents to showcase their productions in China. We have developed by leaps and bounds in the field of international exchanges of children's theatre," said Yin Xiaodong, president of the CNTC.
“Little Princess” by CNTC
Over the past two years, the CNTC has organized more than ten plays for performances overseas, reaching some 18 countries and regions, including Japan, Spain, and the United States. In addition, the theater co-produced several plays with artists and art troupes from various countries which gained popularity among children at home and abroad.
Now the CNTC has built a new platform: the China Children's Theater Festival, for international children's theatre exchange. Since its launch in July 2011, the event has featured over 130 art troupes from around 20 countries and regions.
