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Comment (Starting tomorrow, theatergoers will be offered an alluring menu of monthly performances featuring a wide genre of art forms such as traditional Chinese operas, folk music, comedy drama and pingtan (an ancient graceful folk art of storytelling to music).
A total of 16 local young performing talents will kick off this year-long festival at the Shanghai Grand Theater with a show entitled "Made in Shanghai."
These promising young artists - including Fu Xiru, Wang Qing and Gao Bowen - are selected from almost all the traditional art troupes in the city such as Shanghai Peking Opera House, Shanghai Yueju Opera House and Shanghai Pingtan Troupe. After the debut show tomorrow, they will give another 11 special performances through next March.
"We are targeting the young people who still have little understanding about these age-old art forms - the intangible cultural heritage," says Zhang Zhijing, deputy director of the Information Department of the CPC Shanghai Committee, an organizer of the event.
Diversity has always been the principle of the festival. In addition to the regular theater programs, performers will also bring the dazzling arts to community areas, campuses and shopping malls, hoping to give a boost to the revival.
Famous stars and TV hosts will be invited to interact with the audience and add glamor.
Producers and performers of traditional arts used to be very low-key and modest when they were off the stage, making it hard to promote the art forms in modern days.
This time, however, the organizers want to foster a few young icons and heartthrobs to serve as ambassadors who convey traditional arts to young people. They will receive fashion and image design from the pros and their artistic photos will probably be released.
"Building such a platform for these talented young actors will be a rewarding experience," Zhang says. "We hope that more corporations and media groups will be involved to revitalize the traditional art forms."
The festival is also financially supported by the CapitaLand China Holdings Group. Lisa Leung, sales and marketing manager of the company, and also a Cantonese Opera lover, reveals they may take Chinese shows overseas in the near future.
"These fabulous arts that offer amazing insights into the country's profound culture, history and philosophy should be well preserved," Leung says. "Given a good promotion and platform, even the young people will be thrilled at the unique charisma of these entertainments."
Additionally, the 17th Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Awards is ready to announce excellent theatrical performers from China and abroad next Monday.
Launched in 1990, the annual awards cover almost all types of theater, including drama, opera, dance drama, children's drama and various Chinese traditional theaters, such as Peking Opera, Yueju Opera and the less-popular provincial operas.
A total of 27 nominees from all over the country will vie for four categories of glory - Best Leading Actor Award, Best Supporting Actor Award, Best New Talent in the Leading Role Award and Best New Talent in a Supporting Role Award.
The Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Li Moran, an acclaimed performing artist who has appeared in around 100 dramas, films and TV plays.
The organizing committee of the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Awards will also offer a few other programs to opera lovers, including a special performance presented by the nominated artists and forums themed on the future of traditional theater by China's top-notched director, performer and industry insiders.
"We will continue to encourage theatrical skills and performers across the board," says Chen Daming, an official with the organizing committee.
He reveals that foreign artists who give the best performances in shows staged in Shanghai can also apply for the annual award.
"We must bring these wonderful shows to the mass audience, the common people to rejuvenate the theatrical arts," he says.
"Made in Shanghai"
Date: April 21, 1:15pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People's Ave
Tickets: 50-80 yuan
Tel: 021-63868686
