Grand Performances take to the stage across city

Known as a key part of the 2024 Beijing Cultural Forum, the Grand Performances in Beijing program lifted its curtain at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on the evening of Sept 3.

Lasting for about two months, it serves as a crucial initiative in Beijing's efforts to establish the city as a "Capital of Performing Arts", local officials said.

This year's event aims to gather outstanding domestic and international productions, and build a high-end platform for artistic exchanges and cooperation. It aligns with activities such as the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and the China-Russia Cultural Year, and has introduced more productions from abroad and provinces and cities in China.

During the event, more than 50 art troupes and performance organizations will present and screen 114 productions in more than 40 theaters and performance spaces in the city.

Among the productions, 30 overseas productions will grace the stages of Beijing, highlighting the internationalization and openness of the event.

They include the musical Notre Dame de Paris, the play War and Peace and the dance drama Romeo and Juliet. They are from the countries and regions such as France, Russia, the United Kingdom and Poland.

Moreover, 27 productions will make their debut during the activity, including nine released nationally for the first time.

The event has also selected 16 high-quality productions to be showcased in Beijing's universities. Student-created and performed works such as The Proud Son of Heaven, Nie Er's Songs, and The Frog at the Bottom of the Well are included for the first time, aimed at providing a larger theatrical platform for youths.

Furthermore, programs that emphasize youthfulness and innovative expression, like monologues, magic talk shows, suspense plays and candlelight concerts, will be presented, demonstrating Beijing's innovative and creative vitality as a "Capital of Performing Arts".

The two-month-long event also invites artists and industry experts to participate in six themed salons on the performing arts industry and phenomenal artworks.

They will watch outstanding theatrical works together with theater enthusiasts, as well as exchange insights and look ahead to future developments in the industry.

This year, the event has collaborated with the online ticket booking platform Damai to issue 1.3 million yuan ($182,564) worth of discount vouchers to the public.

Also, in conjunction with Beijing's cultural consumption season and consumption promotion actions, it has supported theaters and troupes in benefiting the public by offering discounts and free performances.

To help the public get performance information, the activity will release details in real time on its WeChat public account and a mobile mini-program.