Asian Performing Arts Meet UK Audiences Through Global Stage On Screen™ Initiative

LONDON, UK. April 25th, 2024 – In a pioneering move, UK audiences are set to experience a unique blend of stage and cinema through the Global Stage on Screen™ initiative. This programme, a collaboration between the NGO UK-China Film Collab and ATW, will showcase 10 high-definition recordings of recent top stage and dance productions from East Asia. The selection includes both well-known Western classics reinterpreted through an Eastern lens and original stories that introduce less familiar narratives to local audiences.

The featured performing groups are prestigious in their own right, including the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, and the National Ballet of China. Among the repertoire are titles such as "Giselle", "Uncle Vanya", "Electra", and several others, promising a diverse range of performances. This initiative not only highlights the growing interest in stage arts among Asia's youth, with the average audience member being under thirty-five years old but also bridges cultural gaps by bringing these performances to the UK for the first time.

Dr. Hiu Man Chan of UK-China Film Collab shared her excitement about the project, emphasizing its personal significance and its role in fostering cross-cultural appreciation for the performing arts. She expressed hope that British audiences would gain new insights into contemporary Asian stage productions and their quality.

The season is set to kick off with a UK Premiere screening of the 4K recording of "Giselle" by the National Ballet of China in Mayfair, London. This will be followed by nine other screenings available both in cinemas across the country and online, offering widespread access to these exceptional performances.

The Global Stage on Screen™ initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing cultural dialogue through the performing arts. By presenting these Eastern interpretations of Western classics alongside original Asian productions, UK audiences are offered a rare glimpse into the rich tapestry of Asian performing arts. This programme not only showcases talent from afar but also invites viewers to explore new perspectives and appreciate the universal language of performance art.