Global artists enjoy stay in old town of Wuzhen

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The fifth Wuzhen Theater Festival kicked off on Thursday, with performers and artists from 13 countries and regions set to tread the boards in the ancient town. Despite their intense rehearsal schedules, many have been seen taking in the sights in their down time.

Nele Savicenko got a big hug from young street performers. She found herself surrounded by admirers when they discovered she plays the heroine in the classic Chekhov play “The Seagull."

Savicenko and her crew are from Lithuania. Their show was set to make its Wuzhen debut on Tuesday night. Many young artists were excited to meet her and quiz her about acting.

Nele Savicenko giving tips to young actors /CGTN Photo

“You have to do what you really feel. You don’t lie to yourself. What you love you love and what you hate you hate,” she said to the young performers.

With the festival about to open, a carnival has been held in Wuzhen. Savicenko enjoyed the display.

It is her first time in Wuzhen, and she said she fell in love with the place at first sight. “It’s very quiet and very peaceful and people are very friendly.”

Black rice cake, a local snack in Wuzhen street stores /CGTN Photo

Wandering and seeing the sights made a welcome break from rehearsals.

“As we’re getting ready for the play, we are thinking about different things, about how to contact with each other on the stage and with the audience,” Savicenko explained.

The three-hour production of “The Seagull” was scheduled to be performed three times during the festival.

Nele Savicenko plays the role of Irina Arkadina in "The Seagull". /CGTN Photo

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