'A Little Princess' rounds off Children's Theater Festival

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The musical "A Little Princess" rounded off the seventh China Children's Theater Festival on Sunday night, an encouraging message to kids never to tame their imagination.

The musical is based on the novel by American writer Frances Hodgson Burnett. The show's scriptwriter, Wang Kun, says the story encourages children to be optimistic.

"In the story, Sara suffers a lot after her father dies. But she still is brave and kind and does not lose her optimistic spirit. I think this is what I want the children to learn from this musical," Wang said.

Closing ceremony of the 7th China Children's Theater Festival /Chinanews Photo

Director Zhao Yu said he has been impressed by the audience response to the show.

"I often see parents addicted to their smartphones while watching a children's play. But this time I find that they raise their heads and focused on the show just like their kids. I'm very glad to see that," he said.

The musical also features different musical elements, including music from India, France and the UK.

Yin Xiaodong, president of the China National Theater for Children, said, "This year, the festival featured many performances by theaters from foreign countries and offered more options for our kids."

"Meanwhile, we created a platform for writers and experts of children's theater from home and abroad to exchange ideas and discuss cooperation in the future."

A still from the musical adaptation of "A Little Princess" /Chinanews Photo

The 45-day event featured 206 shows by 27 children's theater troupes from nine countries and regions.

The China Children's Theater Festival also held a series of exhibitions and workshops, as well as sessions in Jinan and Chengdu.

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