(Photo: VCG)

Initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27. Theatres around the world hold events to celebrate the occasion. 

World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day aims to promote theatre in all its forms across the world, to make people aware of the value of theatre and to enable theatre communities to promote their work on a broad scale so that governments and opinion leaders are aware of the value and importance of theatre in all its forms and support it, according to the official website of the ITI.

One of the most important circulations of the World Theatre Day is to invite a figure to share his or her thought on the theme of Theatre and Culture of Peace, which is called the “The World Theatre Day Message.”

The first message was written by Jean Cocteau, a famous French play writer in 1962. 

Traditional Chinese opera

As the representative of China's musical theatre, traditional Chinese opera has developed into five different styles.

Peking Opera

Known by many different names, Peking Opera is most commonly referred to as “Peking Opera” because it originated from the capital city.

It features four main roles: Sheng, Dan, Jing, Chou, that represent gentlemen, women, rough men and clowns.

A headdress of Peking Opera. (Photo: VCG)

Yue Opera

Yue Opera is probably the second most popular opera in China. Originated in the southern part of China, Yue Opera has a much softer tune.

It often tells romantic stories of talented men and beautiful women.

Most well-known works are “Butterfly Love” and “Romance of the Western Chamber.” 

Huangmei Opera 

Huangmei Opera or Huangmei Tone originated in Huangmei, central China's Hubei Province.

The pitch of Huangmei Opera's tone is relatively high. It is said that it was first sung by women when they were picking tea.

Ping Opera

Pingju or Ping Opera originated in north China's Hebei Province, neighboring Beijing. 

On May 20, 2006, Ping Opera was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Yu Opera

Yu Opera, also known as Henan "bangzi", originates from central China's Henan Province. Henan Opera is known for its sonorous singing style and its ability to express the inner feelings of the characters.