Venue hosts dramatic celebration

An open house held on Sunday and Monday to mark the theater's 71st birthday drew hundreds. For the first time, the theater's five venues, including the newly opened Cao Yu Theater and the Beijing International Theater Center, opened to the public simultaneously at no charge.

A series of activities, such as a photo exhibition, screenings of plays, a flash mob and workshops showcasing theater props, were held during the event. Young actors selected to study at the theater's latest training program volunteered to explain the institution's history at the Beijing People's Art Museum.

"We invite the audience to draw closer to us to see our rehearsals, talk to our artists and gain a deeper understanding about how we operate and create plays," Feng says. "Without the loyalty of our audience, the theater would not have been able to achieve this outstanding milestone. It is an honor to share this tremendous achievement."