By Xinyi Li, iChongqing News

Chongqing - On June 22 and 23 (local time), Li Yaxian, a classic Sichuan Opera, staged during the Sibiu International Theatre Festival in Radu Stanca National Theatre. As a significant event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Romania diplomatic relations, it brought Chinese culture to the world. Jiang Yu, Chinese Ambassador to Romania, Zhao Li, Cultural Counsellor, and other officers attended the second performance on June 23, enjoying this romantic story with audiences.

On June 22 and 23 (local time), Li Yaxian, a classic Sichuan Opera, staged during the Sibiu International Theatre Festival in Radu Stanca National Theatre

The widely-recognized Sibiu International Theatre Festival held in Romania aims to promote creative communication within Europe, even the world, and stimulate valuable art creation, via presenting best performances from across the globe.

The 26th Sibiu International Theatre Festival lasted ten days from June 14 to 23 under the theme The Art of Giving and welcomed over 3,300 artists from 73 countries to bring 525 performances at 75 venues to over 70,000 audiences.

The performance welcomed over 3,300 artists from 73 countries to bring 525 performances at 75 venues to over 70,000 audiences

Li Yaxian was performed at Radu Stanca National Theatre, the most important installation of performing arts in Sibiu. Other major operas were from Sweden, Canada, Israel, Russia, and Italy.

Luo Huaizhen, a famous playwright, rewrote Li Yaxian based on Xiuruji, a story from the Ming Dynasty, and a traditional Sichuan Opera of the same name. It retold the love between Li Yaxian, a geisha (concubine), and Zheng Yuanhe, a young scholar, creatively describing a forthright and sincere, but also self-esteemed and introspective Chinese woman. True love, told in any language, can touch people. Audiences understood Li Yaxian’s courage in love and her determination to pursue independence through this performance.

The in-depth cultural exchange helped people in China and Romania get to know and love each other

“This is not my first time to watch Sichuan Opera, but it is the most amazing one. Li Yaxian, performed by Shen Tiemei, is so beautiful. I love the performance, so do all European audiences.” Jiang Yu said to Shen and CSOT staff: “Sibiu is the capital of culture in Europe. 2019, when the 26th FITS is held, marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Romania. Worldwide dramatists coming to Sibiu communicated and understood each other better. You also availed yourselves of this opportunity to bring China’s brilliant traditional culture to the city, bridging China-Europe cultural differences. The in-depth cultural exchange helped people in China and Romania get to know and love each other. Let me extend my gratitude on your efforts to connect people along the Belt and Road.”