The traditional theatrical Chinese art, Xiqu, has a long and glorious history. Meanwhile, after the introduction of modern theatre from the West more than a century ago, China has also developed a mature and ever-evolving (modern) theatre industry. Specifically, since the turn of the 21st century, the theatrical ecology in China is generally described as consisting of three dimensions: theatrical productions produced by State-funded and State-run theatrical institutions, theatre productions produced for profit in the commercial theatre circuit, and experimental artistic theatre productions produced by independent artists. However, as time has progressed and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in the 2020s has become more complex, with variations and integrations occurring in all these three dimensions.
This lecture will provide an overview of the latest developments of the ecosystem of contemporary Chinese theatre and introduce its historical background to those who are not familiar with it. As a critic who has long observed and studied this field and is committed to international communication, the lecturer will cover most of the representative figures, works, institutions and phenomena necessary for understanding the contemporary Chinese theatre scene. At the same time, to a certain, listeners can observe the social and cultural landscape of contemporary China extent through the introduction of contemporary Chinese theatrical arts.
Dr. Xi Muliang holds a PhD in cultural heritage from Peking University. He is a theatre critic and board member of the Chinese branch of the International Association of Theatre Critics (IATC). He has published numerous articles in publications including Sanlian Lifeweek, the People’s Daily, Stage and Screen Reviews, and the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Japan Center’s International Theatre Yearbook.
For more information, please refer to the attached PDF
- DATE: Thursday, May 7, 2026
- TIME: 16:45-18:15
- LOCATION:SIN 1, Department for East Asian Studies/Chinese Studies, Altes AKH, Campus, Spitalgasse 2, Yard 2, Entrance 2.3
