Sparking youthful passion for the stage

"When children and teenagers engage in theater, initially, it may be a bit shaky and wobbly, but as they progress through the performance, they can become anything. Theater is very beneficial for both their confidence and academic performance in school," she said. "When you build up confidence, it opens doors for you. You're not shy; you're able to communicate effectively; you're capable of doing all the things you want to do."

Members of the Beiguo Drama Society at Beijing Normal University have taken theater further into psychological healing.

Sun Ruonan, 26, a graduate of the university, created a play titled 4.16 km in 2019 based on her own experience. The play delved deeply into the psychology of a girl with depression, who struggles with her relationships with her parents and the pain of growing up.

"Five years ago, I went through the same thing. I felt stifled and angry because there was no one to share my tears. So, I wanted to write a play that could evoke raw emotions from everyone who watched it," Sun said. "Through rehearsals and performances, I've come to understand myself more as well as my grievances and pettiness."

Li Zihan, once a member of the drama society and now its mentor, has noticed that the younger generation of theater practitioners tends to focus more on their internal emotions, pursuing the meaning of life and existence through theater.

"School theater troupes hold a unique significance. They serve as a supplement to the theatrical industry, being more liberating, open, and inclusive than commercial theater groups. They often engage with cutting-edge theatrical theories, tackling socially significant or philosophical themes, and experimenting with innovative forms of expression. These characteristics are both their distinctive features and areas of expertise," she said.

Huang agreed that youth are a precious creative force in the theater landscape.

"They possess passion, a receptiveness to new ideas, and a keen awareness of the present moment. This is why society needs to support and incubate young theatrical talent," he said. "Theater shapes the youth, who, in turn, interpret and engage with the world through the lens of drama."