Belarusian 'wedding' hits stage in Beijing

Chekhov's "The Wedding" performed by the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater of Belarus.

Chekhov's "The Wedding", performed by the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater of Belarus, opened the 4th Beijing People's Art Theater International Festival. This is the first time there has been theatrical exchange between Belarus and China.

"The Wedding" was written by Russian author Anton Chekhov. The Belarusian troupe has given the century-old play a modern look. Directed by Vladimir Pankov, the play is a unique combination of dance, music and drama, as the storyline unfolds within the space of dreams, delusions and wild revelry.

"First of all, a qualified actor must be skilled not only in acting, but also in singing and dancing. What's more, we believe that art, like science and other subjects, should evolve. So we have blended many new elements into the play," said Zinaida Zubkova, lead actress in "The Wedding".

"The Wedding" is produced by renowned Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater, hailed as the top stage in the Republic of Belarus. The play has been performed in a number of countries, including Russia, France and Spain before making its way to Beijing.

Art truly has no borders. This is the first time for a Belarussian troupe to bring a play to China. And although it is performed in Russian, the show manages to break the boundary of language, and win the hearts of many with its highly dynamic and amusing performances.

Subtitles in Chinese and English are provided above and at both sides of the stage. What's more, the storyline of the one-act play is easy to understand. These have all helped audiences enjoy the performance.

Audiences here in Beijing are enjoying the play. But Zubkova does feel that something is different.

"One thing I felt was different tonight is that Chinese audiences care more for my performance, and they show more sympathy to my character, which really touches me," she said.

"The Wedding" has kicked off at the International Festival of the Beijing People's Art Theater. Entering its fourth year, the festival has invited five plays from four countries, as well as a domestic production under one roof.

"The festival has been acting as a window for us to communicate with the theater art of the world. Meanwhile, it's a platform to strengthen friendship between artists and audiences from different countries," said Zhang Heping, president of Beijing People's Art Theater.

"The Wedding" concludes on Sunday night, but the month-long theater festival has just begun.