From October 16 to 26, the 12th Wuzhen Theater Festival transformed the ancient water town of Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, into a dynamic stage for hundreds of thousands of theater lovers. Under the theme of "fu yao," or "swirling up," this 11-day celebration brought fresh energy and creative spark to one of China’s most picturesque destinations.
The festival lineup reads like a passport through international performance art:
- 25 specially invited plays from 10 countries and regions
- 18 Emerging Theater Artists’ Competition entries
- Dialogues, hands-on workshops, reading sessions and outdoor carnivals
A standout is Anthropolis–Marathon from Germany’s Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg. By weaving together five Greek myths in a single marathon performance, the production has ignited conversations on how Eastern and Western theater traditions can intersect and inspire one another.
Since its debut in 2013, the Wuzhen Theater Festival has become more than an event—it’s a launchpad for young international theater practitioners. Every year, emerging artists, directors and storytellers converge here to share fresh ideas, collaborate across cultures and bring new narratives to life on stage.
For global citizens, business and tech enthusiasts, changemakers and digital nomads, Wuzhen offers a rare mix of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge performances or joining a sunset reading by the canal, this festival proves that creativity knows no borders.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
