Kennedy Center Announces Programming for China: The Art of a Nation Festival

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced the events that will comprise China: The Art of a Nation, a festival celebrating Chinese dance, theater, music, and opera, to run September 20 – October 2.

Theater offerings will be the National Theatre of China’s production of Two Dogs’ Opinions on Life (September 20-21), an improvisational comedy about two dogs that leave their hometown for life in the city; and the Beijing People’s Art Theatre production of Top Restaurant (September 30 – October 2), a look at life in a Peking roast duck restaurant over the period of 50 years.

Events will also include a concert that focuses on cross-cultural ties and influences, China-USA: A Celebration in Music, to be offered on September 21 and feature the Washington National Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of conductor Xian Zhang; a program from the National Ballet of China (September 22-24); a concert by the Inner Mongolia Chorus; and Romance of West Chamber (September 28-29), offered by Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre.

In related news, the Kennedy Center has announced a trio of performances that will precede the Festival, to be offered free-of-charge on the Millennium Stage, and feature the Shenzhen Lily Children’s Choir (September 12), the Tangshan Shadow Puppet Theatre (September 15), and the Beauty and Melody Orchestra of the Sichuan Song and Dance Troupe (September 16. Additionally, the Beijing Dance Theater will be featured as part of the Kennedy Center’s contemporary dance season, performing October 26-27.

For more information and tickets, click here.