Shi Ruoxu (center) [Photo provided to China Daily]

This year marks the 100th birth anniversary of Shi Ruoxu, famous Chinese opera educator and the first president of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, and the 40th anniversary since Chinese theater arts has been included into higher education curriculum.

In commemoration of the achievements Shi made to China's contemporary theater arts education, National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts hosted a symposium attended by the administrative board of the academy, representatives from Shi's hometown Binzhou, and Shi's colleagues and students.

"Shi not only contributed to the founding of the academy, but also took charge of the long-term teaching work and the construction of the academy's theater arts education system. He is a leading character in bringing Chinese theater arts into higher education," Ba Tu, the current president of the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, said.