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Beijing theaters extend performance beyond stage to captivate audience 2024/3/15 source: International Daily Print

Theaters in Beijing are getting creative by expanding their domain of expertise, with public performance zones offering immersive art experiences.

On the first floor of the National Center for the Performing Arts, a public performance zone is set up near the cafe, providing free live musical shows for audiences who arrive earlier than the scheduled curtain time. The warm response by the public has made it hard to secure a seat here.
"Comprehensive art displays incorporating various art forms such as painting, photography, sculpture and new media artworks can be found everywhere in our theater," said Wang Ning, President of the National Center for the Performing Arts.
The Beijing Performing Arts Center opened in late 2023 is the cultural heart of Beijing's sub-center of Tongzhou district. It also follows the concept of "full space performance" in design and business operation.
Since the start of February, 12 chamber music charity performances along with the opera-themed workshop, creative percussion music workshop and other interactive theater events have been staged in every corner, charming the audience in many ways.
"We also have a subject that extends beyond the stage. That is to allow everyone in the audience to participate and experience in person through those public art spaces," said Jiang Tao, director of the Operations and Management Department of Beijing Performing Arts Center.
Founded in 1807, the Huguang Guild Hall is one of the most renowned Peking Opera theaters in the city. The time-honored opera house featuring ancient architecture was renovated early this year to make traditional Chinese opera come alive and more appealing to younger audiences.
"The space was re-planned and upgraded by integrating some new technological means into the opera house's history and culture to offer audience richer and more impressive experiences," said Wang Xuewei, the manager.
"I can see that traditional culture has more diverse expressions, with richer contents and in more creative ways," said Yin Yirong, a visitor from Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Beijing's 97 theaters attracted around 310,000 visitors during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday that ended on Feb 17.


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