Slew of new productions to be staged at Shanghai festival

"Huju is the local folk opera of Shanghai," says Mao. "I am honored to present the voice of the city at the festival, and hope to introduce Huju and the story of Fan to the country."

Among the other offerings being premiered is a Chinese opera production Morning Bell by the Shanghai Opera House about the founding of the Communist Party of China.

Shanghai Ballet's new production Bright Red Star, based on a 1974 Chinese film of the same title, will also be launched at the CSIAF, with support from the China National Arts Fund.

Among the other items on offer is a work by Shen Wei, a Chinese-American choreographer based in New York, who will participate in the festival with a visual exhibition.

The Nijinsky Award-winning artist brought his dance productions to CSIAF two years ago, winning critical praise, and this time he wants to present his understanding of art and philosophy through a crossover visual showcase.

Besides the formal theater performances, most of the artists will also do free outdoor performances in public squares, school campuses and local communities, covering all the 16 districts of Shanghai.