Exhibition of Chinese opera costumes in Greece boosts cultural relations

[Photo/Xinhua]

For Nantia Vlachopoulou, who was among the curators of the exhibition, her experience with the Chinese opera was amazing.

"I saw in Elefsina a traditional Chinese opera for the first time two years ago. It was an adaptation of the Greek tragedy 'Oresteia' by Aeschylus in Chinese opera," she told Xinhua.

What impressed her most were the costumes and the absence of scenery. "It is entirely different from what we are used to in the western opera. The costumes are colorful and delicate," she said.

"The cultural exchange enables the Greek people to know Chinese culture. It also provides a platform for the Chinese culture reach out the world," the Chinese ambassador in Greece told Xinhua.

As Elefsina has been declared European Capital of Culture for 2021, there are high expectations for further collaboration from both sides.

"We would like to have a permanent cultural cooperation with China," Tsoukalas highlighted.

"When the museum of Aeschylus is open in 2021, I hope that there will be a permanent exhibition hall for Chinese opera. Today's event is the first step to live this dream," Zou told Xinhua.

The exhibition at the Cultural Center "Leonidas Kanellopoulos" in Elefsina will run until Sept 9.

As part of the Aeschylus Festival 2017, on Aug. 27, Elefsina will host an original performance of the renowned Anhui Huangmei Opera Theater.