Building Shanghai | The Beauty of Theater: The Integration of Theater in Globalization
  • 2023-11-18
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Building Global Shanghai

2023


The Beauty of Theater: The Integration of Theater in Globalization


Globalization permeates every aspect of life. So, how does it manifest in theater? The Theater Integration Group embarked on a five-day exploration.

November 13th: 

The group of classmates quickly got into the groove after gathering and actively engaged in discussions on the research perspectives of theatrical globalization. They explored topics such as the fusion and exchange of different cultures depicted in theater, the manifestation of modern theater technology and equipment in theatrical globalization, and divided into groups for data collection and interview planning.


November 14th: 

In the afternoon, all the students from the theater group visited the Shanghai Grand Theatre for observation and learning. Led by the project manager, they browsed through the theater's brochure and learned about the history of the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Some parts of the building used foreign materials, while the design originated from France. Subsequently, they visited the theater's auditorium and learned about its current state through inquiries and introductions. They discovered the structure and construction reasons behind the stage and theater. Standing in front of the stage, the students marveled at the vastness of the performance stage, which stretched 50 meters from front to back and stood as high as 10 floors. Stepping onto the stage, they could experience the perspective of the actors. Exiting the theater, they passed by a wall of masters, where the project manager provided detailed information on theatrical productions related to globalization, providing valuable material for the students' documentary filming. Finally, the students from the interview and filming groups had in-depth discussions with the project manager on the impact of globalization on the theater industry and its future prospects, gaining a lot of insights.

November 15th: 

Ms.Wu, Martina, Carrie, and Olga visited the Shanghai Theatre Academy and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. To gain a deeper understanding of the cross-cultural and global aspects of theater, they respectively invited graduate students specializing in arts management at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, graduate students in the intercultural discipline at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and undergraduate students studying musical theater performance at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music for in-depth interviews. Faced with questions related to the globalization of the theater industry, these interviewees not only shared a wealth of knowledge and theories from a professional standpoint but also expressed their unique insights as theater consumers, scholars, and performers. Although it was a tiring and busy day, the experiences and feelings gained were invaluable.

November 16th: 

Accompanied by the gradually chilly autumn wind, theatre teacher Yazhi led Martina and Olga visit Beijing Opera Ms.Peng at foreshore. Ms.Peng is currently teaching Beijing Opera and Kunqu at the Wellington College International Shanghai. During this visit, the students mainly sought interviews with Ms.Peng as a disseminator and educator on cross-cultural topics. Ms.Peng enthusiastically shared her artistic journey and the difficulties she faced in promoting Chinese traditional opera. She discussed how to integrate Peking Opera with modern elements and emphasized the importance of cultural communication for students in a bilingual education background. Ms.Peng also mentioned her transition from performer to educator and her deep nostalgia for the stage. She advocated for cultivating excellent actors and audiences to ensure the healthy inheritance of Peking Opera and the further development of Chinese traditional opera. In the evening, the group members above the age of 16 went together to experience the immersive theatre production "Sleep No More" at the McKinnon Hotel. When introducing the work to Shanghai, creator group added a distinctive subplot called "The Legend of the White Snake" to the play, making it full of the charm of 1930s Shanghai, in order to establish a stronger connection with Chinese audiences.

November 17th: 

After four days of relentless effort and hard work, the day of presentation finally arrived, marking an important moment for the group members to showcase their achievements. The editing team demonstrated extraordinary teamwork and coordination. With efficient execution and keen insight, they quickly assembled the materials and polished them into a smooth, captivating documentary.


Behind the success of this project lies the dedication of each individual and the synergy of the team. The students supported and encouraged each other, overcoming various difficulties and challenges, showcasing the spirit of unity and cooperation. Throughout this process, the students not only improved their professional skills but also developed problem-solving abilities.


文 | Diana Tang (G12) Aria Lin (G9)

Olga Liang (G10) Kevin Gu (G11)

审核 | Wu Xu

翻译 | Lexie Liu (G11)

排版 | Jang