The China National Theatre for Children marked its 70th anniversary on Sunday in Beijing, featuring a special performance of the classic Treasure Boat performed by three generations of artists working at the institution.
Veteran playwright, critic, and former president Ouyang Yibing, speaking as the representative of senior artists, shared a poem he composed specially for the occasion. Using the image of seven-colored flowers, he symbolized the theatre’s history and achievements, extending blessings to “the sculptors of spring — every past, present, and future member of the theatre and children’s drama troupes nationwide.”
Representing the new generation, actress Tang Yan delivered an inspiring speech. “On the stage of children’s theatre, performing is like planting seeds,” she said. “You plant joy, and children harvest courage; you plant sincerity, and children harvest kindness.”
“I hope to stand shoulder to shoulder with the theatre, staying true to our original mission and guarding that innocence.”
In a touching, symbolic moment, Ouyang Yibing presented Tang Yan with one of his drama books, a gesture embodying not only the transmission of artistic spirit, but also the inheritance of ideals and passion within the institution.
Upholding its core principle of “everything for the children”, the national theatre, over the past seven decades, has trained numerous artists dedicated to children’s drama and created nearly 200 outstanding works.
These productions have reached audiences on stage, at grassroots levels, in schools, and in over 30 countries and regions. Signature programs, such as the China Children's Theatre Festival and the “New Era Seed Plan”— an innovative theatre education initiative designed to "plant the seeds of art in the hearts of young children, especially the disadvantaged" — continue to drive innovation in children’s theatrical arts.
Zhang Yansheng, Party chief of the China National Theatre for Children, emphasized the institution’s commitment to virtue, artistic excellence, innovation, and forward-looking development. “We will continue to create outstanding works worthy of the times and the people, nourishing young hearts and shaping the future,” he said.
To mark the milestone, the theatre launched a series of commemorative events. The 70th Anniversary Performance Season presents 19 classic and new productions — including the sixth edition of Ma Lanhua, Treasure Boat, The Cat God in the Forbidden City, and Hua Mulan — for a total of 108 performances. Online broadcasts will allow children across the country enjoy classic performances remotely, while an exhibition will showcase the theatre’s achievements in campus drama education.
