Peking University, November 29, 2022: Themed “The development of musical theater in a new era,” the 7th Peking University International Seminar on Musical Theater was held from November 11 to 13 at Beijing Tiantongyuan Cultural and Arts Center. The seminar was staged in collaboration with the Changping District Culture and Tourism Bureau, with the support of the China Theater Association, School of Arts of Peking University, Guoyue and Musical Theater Research Center of Peking University, and was co-hosted by the China Musical Theater Incubation Base.

This year’s seminar was attended by scholars, experts and practitioners from Shanghai Conservatory of Music, The Central Academy of Drama, Beijing Dance Academy, Nanjing University of the Arts as well as the United Kingdom and South Korea. The seminar explored ways to reflect contemporary works and establish a common ground for practice and academic research.   
 

The academic convenor, Prof. Zhou Yingchen of School of Arts of Peking University, remarked at the opening ceremony that musical theater is an essential component of theatrical arts. Amidst major changes and developments in theatrical arts, practitioners and scholars should proactively explore the connection between themes addressed by musicals and the real world and reflect on history to guide the writing and production of musicals and relevant research.

On the development of musical theater, Prof. Peng Feng, dean of School of Arts of Peking University, emphasized the role of musical theater as a globally shared form of art, and stressed that Chinese cultural elements should be infused into Chinese musicals to illustrate the idea of “the community with a shared future for mankind.” On the topic of children’s musicals, participating experts agreed that musicals play a role in shaping children’s values and aesthetics, making it an effective medium in delivering aesthetic education.

At the 7th Peking University International Seminar on Musical Theater, the “Academy Awards of Musical,” an annual showcase of original musical productions, was also presented. A record-breaking 400 entries, including 6 from international universities such as New York University and Berklee College of Music, were received this year. Xinhua Newsboy took home the most prestigious Best Performing Team Award, while seasoned performer Li Weipeng was named Best Actor. To engage a greater audience, Prof. Li Xionghui from the Department of Musical Theater of the Central Academy of Drama, Prof. Peter Knapp of the Department of Vocal Studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the United Kingdom, and Prof. Park In-seon, head of the Department of Musical at Dongseo University in South Korea gave public lectures to enlighten musical enthusiasts. 

Written by: Doris Wong
Edited by: Ng Joong Hwee
Source: PKU News (Chinese)