Intl kids' theater artists make videos to support fight against virus

Within 48 hours, 61 artists from 13 countries sent their videos supporting China’s ongoing campaign to fight the novel coronavirus via their Chinese partner – ASK, a Shanghai-based international theater presenter committed to introducing international theater productions for young audiences to China.

Most of the artists showed in their videos the slogan: “Stay strong! We are with you, China!”

ASK planned to introduce top-notch performances to a special venue at the Tianjin Grand Theater since this February, but this had to be postponed due to the outbreak of the epidemic.

The artists have shown strong confidence in China as well as Tianjin in their efforts to combat the virus.

Within the video, Yvette Hardie, president of Assitej, the International Association of Theater for Children and Young People affiliated to UNESCO, took the initiative in responding to the campaign, joined by a large group of artists from leading theater organizations around the world, including the Edinburgh Children’s Festival and Australian Windmill Theater, to name a few.

Shona Reppe, who starred in The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean, a top children’s drama from Britain, said she expects the outbreak of the epidemic will soon be overcome and she is keen to come to China.

Ian Cameron, 73, who started White, also an internationally acclaimed classical piece from Britain, said: “My heart is with you, China.”

Helene Ducharme, director ofElisapee and the Northern Lightsfrom the Canadian troupe Motus, led a group of local friends to shoot the video while she was doing a co-production in Africa, using different languages to encourage China’s efforts to combat the virus.

Tony Mack, chairman of Slingsby, an Australian performance troupe which is renowned for its Emil and the Detectives, said: “The medical workers: You are heroes. Thank you so much for standing on the front line, and you are not only keeping China safe but also the whole world safe!”

The ASK team said it will remain positive and active in connecting with audiences and followers by spreading online content to enhance energy, courage and creativity.

In the past five years, up to 5,500 performances from 19 countries have been introduced across China through 12 ASK studio theaters and its cooperative venues nationwide.

Li Wenyu, general manager of Tianjin Grand Theater, said: “With government subsidies, the theater has introduced high-level international art performance for local citizens and in the future, I will partner with ASK to introduce more children’s theaters.”