At the invitation of the Moroccan Center of the International Theatre Institute, the French Headquarters of the International Theatre Institute, and the China Cultural Center in Stockholm, Sweden, a delegation led by Xie Wei, Party Secretary of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, recently visited Morocco, France and Sweden. The delegation engaged in extensive, in-depth and fruitful exchanges with local art schools, cultural institutions, and Chinese embassies and consulates, as well as cultural centers in the respective countries, focusing on establishing cooperative relationships, conducting cultural projects, and sharing educational experiences.
During the visit to Morocco, the Shanghai Theatre Academy delegation, accompanied by Tobias Biancone, Secretary-General of the International Theatre Institute, visited the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Mohammed V University and the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and Cultural Management in Morocco, facilitated by the Moroccan Center of the International Theatre Institute.
At the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Mohammed V University, both parties reached a consensus on projects related to traditional performing arts exchanges and theatre research. Xie Wei stated that this visit marks an important starting point and opportunity for establishing connections, fostering cooperation, and promoting better development, which the Shanghai Theatre Academy is willing to push for deeper cooperation. The Moroccan school expressed that the exchange and cooperation between the two schools are also an important part of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries, which it will actively promote Shanghai Theatre Academy Delegation Visits Morocco, France, and Sweden
At the invitation of the Moroccan Center of the International Theatre Institute, the French Headquarters of the International Theatre Institute, and the China Cultural Center in Stockholm, Sweden, a delegation led by Xie Wei, Party Secretary of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, recently visited Morocco, France, and Sweden. The delegation engaged in extensive, in-depth, and fruitful exchanges with local art schools, cultural institutions, and Chinese embassies and consulates, as well as cultural centers in the respective countries, focusing on establishing cooperative relationships, conducting cultural projects, and sharing educational experiences.
During the visit to Morocco, the Shanghai Theatre Academy delegation, accompanied by Tobias, the Secretary-General of the International Theatre Institute, visited the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Mohammed V University and the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and Cultural Management in Morocco, facilitated by the Moroccan Center of the International Theatre Institute.
At the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Mohammed V University, both parties reached a consensus on projects related to traditional performing arts exchanges and theatre research. Xie Wei stated that this visit marks an important starting point and opportunity for establishing connections, fostering cooperation, and promoting better development, which he Shanghai Theatre Academy is willing to push for deeper cooperation. The Moroccan school expressed that the exchange and cooperation between the two schools are also an important part of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries, which it will actively promote.
The Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and Cultural Management has a specialty setup very similar to that of the Shanghai Theatre Academy. The delegation visited various teaching facilities of the institute, observed some course teachings, and discussed matters related to cross-cultural exchanges, faculty and student visits, and cooperation on performance projects. The similarities in cultural and artistic development between Morocco and China provide a solid foundation for cooperation.
Additionally, the delegation inspected several important cultural institutions in Morocco, including the Mohammed V National Theatre, the National Library, and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. These visits not only enhanced their understanding of Moroccan history and culture but also provided deeper insights into North African art and culture.
During their stay in France, the delegation first visited the headquarters office of the International Theatre Institute and discussed with Secretary-General Tobias Biancone ways to further deepen cooperation with the International Theatre Institute.
The delegation also visited the China Cultural Center in Paris, where they observed opera performances and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions. As the first cultural center established by China in a Western country, the center plays a significant role in deepening cultural exchanges between China and France and promoting mutual understanding. Both parties reached a consensus on how to fully utilize the platform advantages of the cultural center to organize high-quality art exhibitions and performances, as well as on sending interns and volunteers to the center for practical training. The head of the China Cultural Center in Paris emphasized that as a promotion platform and window, the center welcomes and encourages domestic art institutions to deliver high-quality art and cultural resources to showcase and promote Chinese culture. Xie Wei pointed out that Shanghai Theatre Academy is willing to take the lead in delivering excellent works and providing a "list" of resources to contribute to the deep exchange in the cultural field between China and France.
During their stay in Sweden, the delegation visited the China Cultural Center in Stockholm and attended the opening ceremony of the "Spanning & Linking - Stage Design for the World" exhibition hosted by Shanghai Theatre Academy. Xie Wei delivered a speech and announced the opening of the exhibition. He stated that this exhibition represents Shanghai Theatre Academy's persistent pursuit of art and its responsibility and mission for cultural inheritance and innovation. He believed that the exhibition will strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Shanghai Theatre Academy and the stage design community in Sweden, Europe and around the world, and hoped that more Swedish professionals and students will come to China and Shanghai Theatre Academy for exchanges.
Additionally, the delegation held discussions with the Chinese Embassy in Sweden, reaching a consensus on helping Shanghai Theatre Academy establish connections with Swedish art institutions, conducting inter-school cooperation and exchanges, and promoting Swedish groups and individuals to participate in the Shanghai Summer School program.
In response to the "Belt and Road" initiative, the delegation also promoted Shanghai Theatre Academy's self-branded international exchange project, the Silk Road Traditional Performing Arts Festival, to foreign parties, receiving enthusiastic responses and adding more diverse and rich artistic elements to the Silk Road Traditional Performing Arts Festival.
Through this visit, the delegation deeply felt the rich cultural and artistic atmosphere of the aforementioned countries, further broadened the "new horizons", expanded the "circle of friends”, enriched the "pool of projects” and filled the gap in exchanges and cooperation with African countries. This visit added another brilliant chapter to Shanghai Theatre Academy's efforts to be aa model university for the best practices of Xi Jinping's cultural thought.
