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NTB shall feature The Tempest at the International Theatre Festival of Beijing
At the end of a successful season, the National Theatre of Bucharest arrives this month on the Asian continent, to China’s capital, with one of the most appreciated artistic achievements of the last seasons.
Upon the invitation of Beijing People's Art Theatre and taking into account the profile of the International Theatre Festival of Beijing and the coordinates of the hosting theatre (Capital Hall, with over 900 seats), the ”I.L. Caragiale” National Theatre shall present The Tempest by William Shakespeare, directed by Alexander Morfov, with Ion Caramitru in the role of magician Prospero.
Multi-awarded show, which already reaped a few significant international successes, The Tempest in this version for the stage is ornate with the spectacular stage set of Bulgarian Nikola Toromanov, as complicated, as it is easily adaptable to different performance spaces.
Organised in the time frame 22 June - 8 July 2018 by the renowned theatre from China’s capital, the festival includes three representations of the Romanian show The Tempest, on the days of 22, 23, 24 June 2018, from 7.30 p.m., which shall take place on the main stage, Capital, in a hall of over 900 seats.
The Beijing People’s Art Theatre was founded in 1952 by Cao Yu (1910-1996), considered in China the most important playwright of the 20th century, who revolutionized inland drama, pioneer of the Huaju genre (theatre based on word and marked by Western influence), author of plays, such as: Thunderstorm (1933), Sunrise (1936), Peking Man (1940) – cherished as one of the chefs d’oeuvre of modern Chinese drama, The Family (1942), The Bridge (1945), Courage and the Sword (1961), Wang Zhaojun (1979).
The history of this theatre commences after the formation of the People’s Republic of China, more precisely in 1956, when Cao Yu chooses the Capital Hall, after his appointment as manager of the future People’s Art Theatre, position which he held until his death, according to Wikipedia.
Under the leadership of Jiao Yuyi, starting with the eighties of the past century, the theatre troupe gains a new momentum, as famous actors were joined by more and more young and gifted actors.
Over 300 plays from different eras, Chinese and foreign, have been performed in the theatre halls.
In the six decades of activity, the People’s Art Theatre from China’s capital has made itself known worldwide, its shows being represented on numerous stages from the Unites States of America, Europe and Russia, but also Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao.
Beside the Capital Hall, the theatre owns two further show halls, one being based on the theatrical experiment, the other, the first Chinese hall baptized after the name of a famous director, Ju Yin, is intended for introducing the wide audience to the performing arts.
From a decade to another, this theatre has developed a unique style, has gained more notoriety, through various enactments and notable artistic achievements, presenting a rich repertoire, from the classical to the experimental one, being visited by millions of spectators yearly.
This major tour of the National Theatre of Bucharest represents a significant endeavour of Romanian cultural diplomacy, contributing to the tightening and deepening of relations with one of the greatest countries of the world, opening the path for the continuation of an active dialogue in this field.
The tour is produced with the support of the Romanian Cultural Institute and Allianz Ţiriac Insurance.
Translated by Simona Nichiteanu
