Forum calls on strengthening the future of theater

Theater practitioners from China and abroad gathered in Beijing on Oct 19 to discuss how theater can preserve its artistic heritage, engage contemporary audiences, and strengthen international collaboration.

The 2026 Beijing Theater Forum, held at the Beijing International Theater Center, brought together nearly 80 participants from China, Romania, Slovenia, Poland, and South Korea for two roundtable discussions under the theme "The New Horizons of Theater".

The first discussion, "Theater Heritage and Innovation", explored how traditional art forms can retain their distinctive qualities while finding new ways to connect with modern audiences. Participants highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between theater schools and professional companies, the mentorship of youth performers, and the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

The second roundtable, "Theater Festival Planning, Operations and Brand Building", brought together festival directors and theater leaders to discuss programming, audience development, international partnerships, and brand building.

Participants stressed that successful theater festivals should be more than showcases for performances. They can also serve as platforms for professional networking, emerging artists, academic exchange, and cultural dialogue.

They also called for international programming that highlights productions' distinctive cultural characteristics while helping overseas audiences connect with them, and for greater use of social media to engage younger generations.

The forum aimed to encourage new thinking on theatrical creation, heritage and international exchange to help open new possibilities for the art form in a changing cultural landscape.