10 November 2014
On 7 November 2014, at the invitation of the Stockholm Confucius Institute of Sweden, the 15-member performance group of the Shanghai Theatre Academy arrived in Stockholm after 14 hours of flight. In the afternoon of 9 November 2014, the first performance of Colorful China was staged at Aula Magna, Stockholm University, which is the venue for the traditional Nobel lectures. The Chinese Ambassador to Sweden and other officials of the Chinese Embassy as well as the senior representatives of the Stockholm Confucius Institute, Chinese Industry and Commerce Federation in Sweden and Karolina Institute of Sweden attended the performance together with over 600 audiences.
The first performance mainly displayed the Chinese cultural elements with a combination of Chinese traditional opera, dance and Chinese traditional musical instrument solo and ensemble, bringing a rich and diversified feast of Chinese arts to the officials of Shanghai, academics and international students of local universities and local residents. It provided the Swedish people and overseas Chinese in Sweden the opportunity for a live experience of the traditional, national and diversified characters of the Chinese culture. The performance was highly praised by the Swedish audience and enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture. Some of the audiences of Chinese descent were also excited about being able to see such as a high quality performance from China.
The visit and performance not only showcased the Chinese culture and arts to the local people and enhanced their understanding of the Chinese language and culture, but also fostered the exchange and cooperation between China and Sweden in the areas of education and culture and promoted the friendship between the two countries and two peoples.
