Beijing People's Art Theater (BPAT) has hosted its "Friends of BPAT" Day event during the May Day holiday, inviting audience members into its iconic venues to experience "the warmth of the Theater" while commemorating the 70th anniversary of the opening of its flagship Capital Theater.

2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the official launch of the BPAT's Capital Theater, a landmark venue in the history of China's modern drama.

During the event, young actors from the theater guides visitors on exclusive tours of the backstage areas, explaining the venue's sophisticated acoustic design and timeless architectural aesthetics, while sharing heartfelt stories of their "first encounters on the stage".

A special 70th Anniversary exhibition of the Capital Theater has also been on display, featuring historical footage, original drama manuscripts and precious archival materials that trace the Theater's remarkable 70-year growth journey.

At the core of the event is the seven-decade legacy of the Capital Theater, with the entire celebration curated around the theme of "the warmth of the Theater", as detailed by Feng Yuanzheng, president of the Beijing People's Art Theater.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Capital Theater's entry into operation, so the core highlight of this year's event is the Theater, which is why we've chosen the theme of 'the warmth of the Theater.' We have also showcased many intricate architectural details of the Capital Theater, allowing audiences to gain an in-depth understanding of this iconic venue. What's more, we've added a new session this year, giving audiences a precious chance to stand on the stage and experience the very stage of the BPAT by themselves," Feng said.

Beyond archival exhibitions and backstage access, the event has broken down the traditional barriers between the stage and the audience, opening up an unprecedented range of spaces and offering immersive experiences for drama lovers of all ages.

Throughout the holiday, the BPAT has opened five theaters including the Capital Theater and the Beijing International Theater Center, as well as more than 20 drama-themed spaces, hosting a diverse lineup of interactive activities from architectural guided tours and script reading sessions to immersive on-stage experience programs.

Visitors are invited to step onto the live set of the Capital Theater, step into the shoes of characters in classic dramas, feel the venue's unique architectural beauty, experience the profound power of drama, and truly feel the meaning of "the warmth of the Theater", making the art of drama tangible, accessible and fully participatory for every attendee.

"It has always been my biggest wish to stand on the stage of the BPAT. The first drama I watched here was 'Teahouse.' The feeling of watching a live performance is completely different from watching it online. The visual impact and the delivery of the lines are absolutely gripping," said an audience member.