China's Children Theater Festival ends after weeks of nationwide celebration

A workshop was held during China's Children Theater Festival, in order to increase interactivity between the professionals and children. [Photo: from China Plus] 

The 7^th China's Children Theater Festival concluded on August 20, 2017 in Beijing, after over six weeks of various colorful events across China.

The festival was mainly held in Beijing, but also made short-term tours of other cities in China. It also includes exchange performances in Singapore and South Korea.

Russian opera troupe was playing The Wizard of OZ. [Photo: from China Plus] 

According to the President of China National Theater for Children, Yin Xiaodong, domestic and international professionals gathered together this summer to provide children with the feel for the spirit of the arts.

Various performances were held, including children's theater, musicals, dance dramas and puppetry.

The event also drew participation of overseas professionals from Romania, Israel, the Czech Republic, and Russia among others.

Stage photo from a children's theater called Something I Want to Tell You. [Photo: from China Plus] 

During the 45-day event, 27 opera troupes from nine different countries and regions took part in 206 performances.

Forty-eight plays were performed, with an estimated 160,000 people taking part in the events.

Major activities included a sub-event called "Open the Door of Theater" launched by the China National Theater for Children and a summer camp named "Explore the Forbidden City and Watch Children's Theater."

Stage photo from Pinocchio. [Photo: from China Plus] 

The camp was sponsored by The Palace Museum. An International Children's Theater Development Seminar was also held during the festival.