On October 10th, a press conference was held in Beijing to announce the first National Small Drama and Skit Exhibition, set to take place from October 16th to 28th in Changsha, Hunan Province.
The inaugural event promises a diverse array of activities across various art forms, aiming to make the arts more accessible to the public. Planned highlights include an opening and closing ceremony, performances of small dramas and skits, on-site evaluations, thematic discussions, and a special presentation of traditional boat songs from regions where they are prevalent. Additionally, there will be dedicated performances showcasing outstanding local art programs from Hunan Province.
Out of over 160 submissions from across the country, 42 works have been selected for the small drama and skit exhibition. These will be complemented by 14 projects chosen under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “National Stage Arts Excellent Program Creation Support Plan,” totaling 56 pieces across 12 performances. Experts will attend the performances to conduct evaluations and nominate several outstanding works for further development. Selected writers, directors, and composers may also be invited to participate in the 2025 mentorship initiative aimed at enhancing the creative aspects of stage art.
In addition, the exhibition will feature a special performance of traditional boat songs, bringing together accomplished artists from provinces where these songs are prevalent for a concentrated exhibition in Changde, Hunan. Furthermore, a showcase of Hunan’s exceptional local art programs, including styles such as Changde Sihuan, Changsha Puppet Show, Hengyang Fishing Drum, and Qiyang Folk Tune, will be held in Changsha. These initiatives aim to enhance the influence and demonstration of small yet exquisite artistic achievements.
