In the heart of Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture is witnessing an extraordinary cultural event. The Daliangshan Theater Festival, set to run until December 10, is bringing life and color to the region’s winter with over 200 performances. This festival is not just an event; it’s a vibrant celebration of the rich ethnic heritage of the Yi, Tibetan, and Naxi peoples who have called Liangshan home for generations.
The festival opened with a symphonic poem titled “Welcome to the World,” a stunning performance that blends recitation, symphony, and dance. This opening act is more than just a performance; it’s a journey through the original environment of these ethnic groups, showcasing their unique arts and traditions. It stands as a testament to the seamless blend of ancient and modern art, encapsulating the diverse local ethnic arts of Liangshan in a single, magnificent picture.
Tobias Biancone, the director-general of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), lauds the Daliangshan Theater Festival as a unique celebration deeply rooted in the locale and its people. The festival’s integration into the extraordinary landscape of Liangshan, focusing on the ethnic Yi people, sets it apart from other theatrical events.
Chinese actor Pu Cunxin, a co-founder of the international theater festival, views the opening performance as a global invitation from the world of theater. The scene is vibrant and full of life, with actors donning ethnic attire, engaging in dance, poetry recitation, and singing in the Yi language. This festival is a cultural crossroads where tradition meets contemporary expression.
Chinese poet Jidi Majia reflects on the festival’s growth and potential, noting its five-year journey into becoming an integral part of the global theater industry. While acknowledging areas for improvement, he highlights the festival’s vitality and promising future.
In a world increasingly connected by the internet, with a constant influx of music, TV series, and films, people often lose touch with their cultural roots. Biancone emphasizes the importance of preserving and empowering one’s cultural identity. He stresses the need to nurture and celebrate the cultural heritage passed down by ancestors. The key to cultural preservation is not just locking it away in museums but bringing it to life, especially for the younger generation.
Embracing the theme “Theater is life, theater is us,” the festival is a global showcase, featuring plays from countries like Zimbabwe, Belgium, and Romania, alongside domestic dances, musicals, and stage works. The event is a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, offering not only performances but also talks, lectures, and expos.
The Daliangshan Theater Festival is more than a series of performances; it’s a celebration of life and a tribute to the diverse cultural identities that enrich our world. As it unfolds in Liangshan, it’s a reminder of the power of theater and the arts to connect us to our roots, to each other, and to the broader tapestry of human experience.
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