Huang Lei (center), one of the founders of Wuzhen Theater Festival, talks to his audience during an event.(Photo/Shanghai Daily)
The 4th Wuzhen Theater Festival will be back with the theme "Gaze Beyond" from October 13-22. Launched by well-known theater artists Chen Xianghong, Stan Lai, Meng Jinghui, Huang Lei, Tian Qinxin and Ding Nai-chu, the festival has become an important event in China.
"The upcoming festival will feature more plays — both Chinese and international — during the 11-day," said Meng, who is also the artistic director.
One of China's most acclaimed directors, Meng is best known for his iconoclastic experimental works which have heavily influenced young Chinese theater and film directors.
He is a director at the National Theater of China and is known for his creativity. His most recent work includes "To Live," "Invisible Love," "Hitler's Belly," "Romeo & Juliet" and "Two Dogs."
This year the Young Theater Artist's Competition will be expanded from 15 to 18 plays. The theme of the competition is "A Blood, a Suitcase and a Meteor," which has been described as "a romantic, mysterious and cruel topic" by Huang Lei, one of the founders of the festival and a well-known actor.
Different from the past three years, the 18 selected plays will be performed simultaneously on two "twin stages" in the Wuzhen water town in Zhejiang Province, namely East Warehouse Theater and West Warehouse Theater.
The first prize is 200,000 yuan ($30,499).
Those who are under 35 years of age and have never performed before can apply through the festival's official website (www.wuzhenfestival.com). The deadline is July 31.
All the performances staged at the festival will have Chinese and English subtitles.
Aside from the international players from the world of stage who will be present at the festival, a carnival will be held in the narrow streets and public plazas, showcasing street art, music, contemporary art, traditional Chinese opera and juggling.
Troupes and artists who are interested in performing at the carnival can apply on the festival's official website before August 31.
