Meng Jinghui (right) Photo: Courtesy of the fourth Contemporary Theatre Biennial

The press conference for the fourth edition of the Contemporary Theatre Biennial was held on Friday in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, where the cultural extravaganza will run from November 24 to December 3.

The much-anticipated festival will bring 13 specially invited global productions and include 29 captivating performances covering classical reconstructions, original and new works, and integrated theatrical arts.

Organized by the Publicity Department of Futian District of Shenzhen and the public culture and sports development center of Futian, this cultural extravaganza is spearheaded by the renowned director Meng Jinghui's Drama Studio.

"For young contemporary creators, they can explore more possibilities while experiencing the beauty of art and the spirit of the times; this is the significance of the biennial," Meng said at the press conference.

Celebrated for his work in the theater, Meng serves as Art Director for the event. He has had a long and close association with Shenzhen, having been appointed as the Cultural Consultant for Futian in 2013. Since then, he has been dedicated to bringing the joy of theater to ordinary citizens and fostering a new hub for theatrical culture and production in the region.

The Contemporary Theatre Biennial is China's first biennial exhibition centered around theater, and it stands as one of the most significant theatrical events in Shenzhen and the South China region.

The exhibition focuses on showcasing the freshest artistic talent in the world of theater. It also highlights Shenzhen as a pivotal engine in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, providing a global perspective in contemporary arts.

The exhibition invites artists from Hong Kong, Macau, the island of Taiwan, and from other countries. In addition to gathering outstanding contemporary drama artists and their latest works, this year's biennial will also engage in communication with local young students and other Futian residents, as part of an effort to deepen the exploration of contemporary art in the city. This year's biennial has also been extensively upgraded, encompassing four key components: performances, exhibitions, displays, and readings.

Global Times