At Forbidden City Concert Hall, renowned conductor Tan Li Hua is opening the "door to art" for children, while at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, famous singer Wang Hongwei is performing opera dressed as Afanti. As summer vacation approaches its end, the market for family-friendly performances remains vibrant. This summer, Beijing, as a "capital of performing arts," has curated an artistic feast specifically for young audiences. The city's stages have offered a diverse range of experiences, including music, drama, traditional opera, immersive performances, and art education activities. With top artists and renowned troupes tailoring performances for young spectators, spending summer in the theater has become a delightful choice for children.
Every summer, major theaters and arts organizations in Beijing prepare "artistic gift packages" for children, tailored to their unique characteristics. These offerings include engaging and dynamic concerts, educational and entertaining plays, and immersive interactive performances, enriching children's golden years with vibrant artistic experiences.
The "Opening the Door to Art" event at Forbidden City Concert Hall is one of Beijing's most prestigious summer youth charity art festivals, now in its 31st year. From July 5th to August 31st, over 58 days, the festival features 64 performances by renowned artists and troupes, 11 types of art summer camps, and 15 rich thematic interactive charity activities. Music, laughter, and song fill the ancient gardens of the Forbidden City, creating a vibrant atmosphere for children and families.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts has also been filled with melodious songs this summer, presenting the original children's opera Afanti: True or False Afanti. Sung by the renowned vocalist Wang Hongwei, the opera features a humorous and engaging story that brings joy to the audience, while its ethnic musical segments provide a rich cultural experience for children. The National Centre for the Performing Arts has selected eight high-quality productions from around the world, including this opera, for its "2024 International Children's Theatre Season," offering a diverse range of performances tailored for young audiences.
The 13th China Children's Theatre Festival, organized by the China National Theatre for Children in collaboration with other institutions, features 33 performances from 25 children's theatre troupes from 8 countries. Among the highlights is the musical School of Rock by Weber, which, while not specifically created for children, appeals to many families due to its rock band composed of 12 young performers. Additionally, other venues in Beijing, such as the Beijing Concert Hall and the National Library Art Centre, have also launched children's performance seasons, ensuring that families across the city can enjoy a summer filled with artistic experiences.
Among the many family-oriented performances, works that promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture are especially popular with audiences. In recent years, immersive performances have flourished and increasingly been integrated into family-friendly productions, receiving widespread acclaim from viewers.
"Opening the Door to Art" has evolved into a comprehensive arts festival specifically designed for young people and children. The festival's content has become increasingly diverse, offering a richer range of experiences each year.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan
