Attention, theater enthusiasts! From April 12 to July 20 this year, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), with the backing of the Beijing Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), will present its extraordinary annual celebration of the performing arts.
Initiated in 2015, the NCPA International Theater Festival has offered a global platform for artists and audiences to demonstrate and share their passion for theater. Now in its 11th year, the festival is more expansive than ever, set to feature over 80 performances encompassing 17 works from both Chinese and international creators.
The performances will be divided into three principal categories. While the final details may be subject to modification, here is an overview of the plays anticipated during the festival. Be sure to verify dates, times, locations, ticketing, and other specifics as the performance dates approach.
1. **“In Beijing, Behold the World”: A Glimpse into the Essence of World Drama**
- April 12-13, 15-20 (NCPA Theatre): *Lin Zexu* – a collaborative original production from the NCPA and the Guangzhou Theatre Arts Center
- April 25-27 (NCPA Theatre): *The Cherry Orchard* by Anton Chekhov – featuring the renowned French actress Isabelle Huppert
- April 30-May 4 (BPAC Theatre): *Twelfth Night* by William Shakespeare – a comedy produced by the NCPA
- May 8-14 (NCPA Multi-functional Theatre): *A Doll’s House* by Henrik Ibsen – produced by the NCPA
- June 29-July 1 (NCPA Theatre): *Red Beginning* (红色的起点) – a play produced by the National Theatre of China
- July 2-6 (NCPA Multi-functional Theatre): *Every Brilliant Thing* by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe – a solo performance produced by the Shanghai Theatre Arts Centre
- July 11-13, 18-20 (BPAC Theatre): *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea* by Jules Verne – a Sino-French collaboration
2. **“Chinese Shows, Chinese Sentiments”: Celebrating Traditional Chinese Culture**
- April 19-20 (BPAC Theatre): *Suo Lin Nang* and *Yu Tang Chun* – a Beijing opera performance
- May 15-16, 17-18 (NCPA Theatre): *Dream of the Red Chamber* and *Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai* – Yue opera from the Hangzhou Yue Opera Theater
- June 21-22 (BPAC Theatre): *Teahouse* – a Beijing Quju opera presented by the Beijing Opera Troupe
- June 22, 24-27 (NCPA Theatre): *Returning Home on a Snowy Night* – a play produced by the NCPA
3. **“New Space, New Trend”: Exploring Infinite Possibilities in Drama**
- April 30-May 4 (NCPA Theatre): *Magical Moment* – a stage production
- May 8-11 (NCPA Theatre): *Parasite* – a stage adaptation of the acclaimed Korean film
- June 5-8 (NCPA Theatre): *The Invisible Guest* – a stage adaptation from the Spanish mystery thriller film
- June 12-15 (NCPA Theatre): *Life of Pi*, the original West End play adapted from Yann Martel’s bestselling novel
- June 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 (BPAC Multi-functional Theatre): *Detective Zhao Gan'e* – an immersive interactive theater experience
For more information about specific shows, including plot summaries, cast details, duration, timing, and language, please visit the NCPA website or various event mini-programs online. **NOTE:** Foreign passport holders may encounter difficulties purchasing tickets for these performances through most mini programs or ticketing apps such as Damai or Alipay. A successful option has been to buy tickets via the NCPA Smart Butler mini program. Search for the Chinese title of the production you wish to attend and follow the subsequent instructions. If that fails, tickets can also be purchased online at www.chncpa.org or by contacting the NCPA box office via phone at 010 6655 0000 or in person.
**National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院**
North Gate of NCPA (Box Office)
2 Chang'an Xidajie, Xicheng District
西城区西长安街2号
**NCPA Box Office Hours**
9:30 am - 7:30 pm on performance days
9:30 am - 6:00 pm on non-performance days
**NCPA Phone Booking Hours**
9:30 am
From April 12 to July 20 of this year, the National Centre for the Performing Arts will hold its yearly theater festival!