On May 18, the opening ceremony of the 7th ATEC Asian Theatre Schools Festival 2024, hosted by the Asian Theatre Education Centre and organized by the Central Academy of Drama, took place at the proscenium stage theatre of the Central Academy of Drama’s Changping campus.

Poster

Attendees included prominent guests from domestic and international cultural and artistic institutions: Mr. Yanwei JI, Director of CFLAC Volunteer Service Center, and Vice President and Secretary-General of China Literary and Art Volunteers' Association (CLAVA); Prof. Tobias BIANCONE, Director General of International Theatre Institute (ITI); Mr. Jeong-woo SON, President of Korean Theater Association; Ms. Jayne KNOWLES, Dean of Performance, CCW, University of the Arts London; Mr. Jun LI, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guilin Municipal Committee and Director of the Publicity Department; Prof. Yongsheng XU, Party Secretary of the Central Academy of Drama; Yan JIN, Assistant to President of the Central Academy of Drama; and heads of department from the CAD.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

Representatives from 14 member schools of the Asian Theatre Education Centre were present, including Prof. Rong HAO, ATEC Director-General, with the Central Academy of Drama, China; Prof. Jae-Oh CHOI, ATEC Vice Director-General, with Chung-Ang University, ROK; Prof. Fei SONG, ATEC Vice Director-General, with National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, China; Mr. Chittaranjan TRIPATHY, ATEC Executive Director, with National School of Drama, India; Prof. Midori OKUYAMA, ATEC Executive Director, with Nihon University College of Arts, Japan; A.Prof. Dinh Thi NGUYEN, ATEC Executive Director, with Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, Vietnam; Prof. Ernest Lim, with Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore; Baorong GONG, ATEC Director, with Shanghai Theatre Academy, China; Prof. Gillian CHOA with The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; Prof. Song LEE, ATEC Director, with Chungwoon University, ROK; Mr. Davaasuren DAMDINSUREN, ATEC Director, with Mongolian National University of Arts and Culture, Mongolia; Steve DIXON from LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore; and Mr. William LIOTTA, ATEC Director, with University of New Mexico, the USA. The ceremony was emceed by A.Prof. Yan HAI from CAD’s Department of Acting.

A video clip about Asian Theatre Education Centre was played as an appetizer of the ceremony, after which Prof. Jae-Oh CHOI extended his welcome to the participants coming from various regions around the globe. He expressed his excitement about the gathering of students at the Central Academy of Drama. Choi emphasized that the brilliance of dramatic arts emerges when creators and performers share the aesthetic characteristics of time and space. He hoped that the audience would fully enjoy the performances crafted by students from diverse cultural traditions and performance environments. Choi highlighted the importance of theatre in reflecting humanity and illuminating modern souls, urging continuous efforts to develop theatre education globally. He extended sincere thanks to President Hao Rong and all those who contributed to the success of the event, and officially congratulated the opening of the ATEC 7th ATEC Asian Theatre Schools Festival 2024.

Prof. Jae-Oh CHOI delivering a speech

Prof. Tobias BIANCONE expressed his excitement upon seeing the words ‘fabulous’ and ‘glamour’ from the theme of Festival. He explained that theatre’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to create and interact meaningfully with individuals and audiences. Biancone noted that the pandemic highlighted the loss of ‘glamour’ in online theatre, stressing that glamour breathes life into performances and engages audiences deeply. He hoped the festival would endow the audience with moments of the beauty and charm of theatre art, before wishing all performers and participants great success.

Speech by Tobias BIANCONE

Mr. Ji congratulated the festival on behalf of the association. He emphasized the importance of Asian civilizations and how Asian theatres tell Asian stories, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange. He encouraged the Central Academy of Drama to deepen ties with Asian institutions, maintain a global perspective, and promote Chinese culture while appreciating diverse global cultures.

Mr. Yanwei JI delivering a speech

Hao Rong warmly welcomed all guests, scholars, and student participants, and extended high respect to the event’s organizers and volunteers. He noted that this festival marks the first vis-a-vis reunion in five years since the pandemic, highlighting the deep interconnectedness of Asian-Pacific countries. Hao stressed the rich and diverse theatrical traditions of each country and looked forward to the artistic exchanges that would unfold over the next few days, showcasing diverse cultural heritage. He reiterated ATEC’s commitment to promoting theatre education and fostering mutual respect and understanding among the young generation from Asian-Pacific region.

Prof. Hao Rong delivering a speech

Hao Rong then officially declared the opening of the 7th ATEC Asian Theatre Schools Festival 2024.

This year’s festival, themed ‘A Fabulous Collage: The Glamour of Traditional Asian Theatres’ features 11 performances, among which are winners of Best Play Award, Outstanding Play Award, and Best Acting Award. The jury comprises seven professors and experts from five countries, chaired by Xiaogang WU, with members including Chieko SODA, Jeong-Woo SON, Aubrey MELLOR, Shaojun WANG, Wing Hong LI, and Abdul Kadir SHAH.

Group photo of attendees