The Vibrant World of Children's Theatre in Jiaxing

Unveiling the Magic: Jiaxing's Thriving Children's Drama Festival

In the serene district of Xiuzhou in Jiaxing (嘉兴), Zhejiang Province, the summer air is filled with laughter and anticipation as families gather for a unique cultural extravaganza. The 13th China Children's Drama Festival, a significant event in the local calendar, kicked off on July 20th amidst much fanfare, marking the beginning of a season dedicated to nurturing young minds through the magic of theatre.

For the next two months, from June to August, Xiuzhou will transform into a hub of artistic expression and cultural exploration, offering local children an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world-class theatrical experience right at their doorstep. This festival, renowned as a "national-level" theatrical event, aims not only to entertain but also to educate, blending learning with fun in carefully curated performances.

"I've played Little Shell in 'The Little Tadpole Finds Its Mother' and even Pinocchio before. Children's theatre is so much fun because I get to learn English, dance, and acting, and make new friends!" exclaimed 6-year-old Chang Juanran, a standout member of the local Xiwa Theatre Society, eagerly sharing her performance experiences before the curtain rose.

Educational Entertainment: The Role of Children's Theatre in Cultural Enrichment

Children's theatre, often regarded as a universal language, serves as a unique medium for transmitting Chinese civilization and values to the younger generation. In Xiuzhou, attending a children's drama performance during summer vacation has become a cherished tradition, fostering cultural appreciation and artistic literacy among local youths.

According to Zhang Zhihua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Xiuzhou District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, children's theatre not only meets the cultural needs of local children but also innovatively integrates ideological and political education through artistic forms. The district has been actively promoting children's theatre in schools, aiming to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts from a young age.

From Spectators to Performers: Empowering Children through Drama

In 2023, Xiuzhou established the Jiaxing Children's Theatre Education Alliance and designated the first batch of four "Jiaxing Art Practice Base Pilot Schools" under the auspices of the China Children's Art Theatre. This initiative, known as the "1+1+4" model, centers around the Xiwa Theatre Society, the Jiaxing Children's Theatre Education Alliance, and the pilot schools, collectively advancing the construction of Jiaxing as a cultural and artistic hub rooted in local heritage.

During the festival, Xiuzhou will feature classic children's plays from the China Children's Art Theatre repertoire, including "The Little Mermaid," "The Frog Prince," "Cat God in the Forbidden City," and "Journey to the West (Part Two)." These productions will grace the stage at the Xiuhu Music Hall in Jiaxing City, offering a total of 16 performances to captivate young audiences and ignite their imagination.

"This festival serves as a new starting point for us to strengthen the cultural and artistic offerings for children in Xiuzhou," remarked Ju Bo, Deputy Secretary of the Xiuzhou District Committee and District Mayor, emphasizing the district's commitment to enhancing the influence, reach, and transformative power of children's arts and culture. Since establishing ties with the China Children's Art Theatre in 2021, the annual China Children's Drama Festival in Jiaxing has become a highly anticipated event, enriching the lives of over 60,000 local children through 17 domestic and international theatrical masterpieces across 85 captivating performances.

As the curtains rise on another season of creativity and wonder, Xiuzhou remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a generation of culturally enriched and artistically inspired young minds, ensuring that children's theatre continues to flourish as a beacon of artistic expression and educational enrichment.