Scholars share insights on development of theater towns

Scholars from home and abroad hold discussions on the development of theater towns in Shengzhou, Zhejiang province on March 25. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Scholars from Europe and Asia gathered at Yueju Opera town in Shengzhou, Zhejiang province on March 24 and 25 to exchange insights on the development of theater towns.

Shengzhou, where the Yueju Opera originated, announced to build a Yueju Opera themed town at the end of 2016. The town, which is expected to be a place for cultural exchanges and a platform for pioneering work in the industry of cultural creation, is seeking to introduce the most advanced development philosophy in the world.

Experts from home and abroad shared their knowledge on how to utilize the history and cultural resources of theater towns in order to make Shengzhou's theatre town successful and sustainable.

Shengzhou has learned something from the experts' discussions over the two days, according to Guo Xiaonan, chairman of the culture and tourism company for Yueju Opera town. "We were inspired by their thoughts on how to enrich the artistic performances and got a better understanding of the global development of the theater industry," said Guo.

A sideline meeting for an international theater town alliance was held, and Shengzhou was selected as the permanent venue for the alliance.

In 2019 when the Yueju Opera town opens to the public, Shengzhou will invite member countries to display their theater performances to Chinese audience. Moreover, the town plans to organize a long-term international event for further exchanges.