Anticipation for upcoming theater season begins

The Beijing People's Art Theatre has announced an exciting lineup for its 2026 season, bringing a dynamic mix of new productions, timeless classics, and international collaborations.

The theater will open the year with Emerald City, written in 1987, in May. Originally created by one of Australia's most beloved playwrights, David Williamson, this Chinese-language production marks the play's first-ever performance in Mandarin.

Director Tang Ye says of the production: "The surface of society might change, but human nature doesn't. This play offers a deep exploration into an artist's internal battle for success. Its themes of personal struggle will resonate with audiences everywhere."

Thunderstorm, written by Cao Yu and one of the most iconic Chinese dramas of the 20th century, will return in June as part of the Beijing People's Art Theatre's ongoing effort to preserve Chinese theater history.

The theater premiered Thunderstorm in 1954. It has since become one of the most famous productions by the established company, with over 600 performances. This latest version will be directed by Yang Lixin, marking the production's third revival since its debut.

The summer will also bring Romeo and Juliet to a small theater, with a contemporary twist. A new generation of the theater's artists reimagine Shakespeare's classic through a modern lens, infusing it with youthful energy.

In addition, the year will see the return of Hamlet in September and Li Bai in August. The latter, a production featuring the famous Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet, will be presented in grand poetic style, exploring the intersection of art, poetry and history.

This year, the theater continues to broaden its international reach. The theater will increase collaboration with major cultural hubs, with a focus on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"We're taking our productions overseas to build stronger relationships with the international community," says Feng Yuanzheng, president of the theater. The first such collaboration will be Farewell My Concubine, which will be staged during the inaugural Chinese Culture Performances Season in Macao.

Additionally, the annual Beijing People's Art Theatre International Theatre Festival will return in October and November, featuring acclaimed works from both China and abroad.

According to Zhou Tong, Party secretary of the theater, 37 productions and over 500 performances were staged in 2025. Nine new works were introduced, along with classic revivals that delighted audiences.

In 2026, the theater will also continue its efforts to engage younger audiences and expand its public cultural services. One of the standout programs is "youth blossoms", which gives university students an opportunity to develop and present their own works.

"The theater is not just a place for entertainment; it's also a place for education and exploring different perspectives. Our youth programs are a way for us to inspire the next generation of theater lovers and creators," says Tang.

Moreover, the theater is embracing technology to reach a broader audience. Several of its productions will be adapted into film and digital formats, allowing more people to experience the theater's performances online.