New mission for China’s national theatre: innovate to enrich cultural life

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for sustained efforts from the National Theatre of China to keep pace with the times and innovate on the basis of past achievements, in a bid to make greater contributions to the prosperity and development of literature and art in the modern era while enriching people's cultural life.

An exhibition marking the development of the National Theatre of China opened to the public on Dec. 25, 2001. [Photo: China Plus]

The president made the remarks on Saturday in a letter replying to contemporary Chinese artists on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the theatre's establishment.

Sixteen artists who perform at the theatre recently sent a letter to President Xi expressing their resolve to contribute to excellent productions in order to boost the nation's cultural output.

Also to mark the theatre's 20th anniversary, Chinese celebrities including trending starlet Guan Xiaotong sent their blessings in a video, during which Guan described joining the theatre this year as a great honor.

"I'll learn from excellent predecessors and continue to work hard, holding firm my belief in the power of theatre," the young actress said.

Guan is one of 25 new talents the theatre has introduced this year, occupying a range of positions including actor, prop master, storywriter, and director.

Meanwhile, veteran artists Xi Meijuan, Huang Lei, and Hu Ge each earned the title of “honorary performer” from the nation's most prestigious theatre.

The National Theatre of China, formerly a youth art theatre of Yan'an, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, was upgraded to its current status on Dec 25, 2001.

An exhibition marking the development of the National Theatre of China opened to the public on Dec. 25, 2001. [Photo: China Plus]