Chinese Dance-Theatre Production “Tiangong Kaiwu” at Christmas Theater

“Tiangong Kaiwu”
In Athens

28-30 Nov 2025

On the evening of November 28, the curtain rose at Athens’ Christmas Theater for the grand opening of the 3rd Sino-Hellenic International Theatre Festival, marked by the highly anticipated Greek premiere of the Chinese dance-theatre production Tiangong Kaiwu. Presented by an acclaimed artistic team from China, the performance drew an audience of more than a thousand spectators, including diplomats, cultural leaders, academics, artists, and theatre enthusiasts from across Greece and abroad.

 

The event marked a major milestone for the festival, showcasing China’s stage innovation and artistic legacy directly to European audiences.

A Brilliant Interpretation of Ming-Dynasty Knowledge

The production Tiangong Kaiwu, inspired by the historic Ming-dynasty encyclopedia written by scientist Song Yingxing, traces the intellectual journey of a man driven by curiosity, determination, and a deep admiration for the material world. Through its narrative, the production highlights China’s centuries-old pursuit of craftsmanship, invention, and scientific observation.

The show brings Song’s academic spirit to life with:

  • Contemporary choreography blended with classical Chinese movement

  • Cinematic multimedia projection

  • Live-digital scenography

  • Intricate lighting and costume design

Together, these creative elements transform the stage into a visual chronicle of tools, labor, agriculture, astronomy, pottery, metallurgy, and the people who shaped China’s material history.

 

Greek and English surtitles allowed the audience to follow the story effortlessly, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to accessibility and intercultural communication.

Audience Captivated by a Mesmerizing Finale

The premiere concluded with a breathtaking final scene that symbolically depicted human creativity “taking flight.”
As dancers rose above the stage in a sequence combining aerial choreography and projection, the audience responded with a wave of applause that lasted several minutes.

Many viewers described the performance as:

  • “A masterpiece of movement and imagination”

  • “An emotional encounter with Chinese philosophy”

  • “A visually unforgettable experience”

 

The opening night reaffirmed the growing appetite in Greece for Chinese performing arts, especially within younger audiences and artistic communities.

Warm Words from Cultural Representatives of Both Nations

Before the premiere, representatives from China and Greece delivered speeches celebrating the cultural significance of the production and the festival as a whole.

Speakers emphasized:

  • the deep friendship between the two civilizations,

  • the symbolic power of artistic dialogue, and

  • the importance of long-term cultural bridges.

 

Officials noted that although China and Greece are geographically distant, their philosophical inheritance, theatrical traditions, and value systems share remarkable parallels.

A Festival with International Ambition

This year’s edition of the Sino-Hellenic International Theatre Festival features an expanded programme of cross-disciplinary events, including:

  • Chinese and Greek stage productions

  • cultural lectures and masterclasses

  • international theatre exchanges

  • exhibitions and youth programmes

Its mission is to:

  • strengthen artistic cooperation

  • introduce Chinese works to Europe

  • and provide Greek artists with opportunities to perform and collaborate in China

With Tiangong Kaiwu as its opening signature, the festival moves forward with new energy, cultural confidence, and global resonance.

Strengthening Sino-Hellenic Cultural Cooperation

The premiere of Tiangong Kaiwu highlights the steady evolution of Sino-Hellenic cultural exchange. Over the last three years, the Sino-Hellenic International Theatre Festival has grown from a bold initiative into a recognized platform connecting institutions, artists, and audiences from both nations.

The festival founder described this year’s opening as:

“Not only a theatrical achievement, but a step toward cultural mutual understanding and artistic coexistence. Tiangong Kaiwu is a gift from China to Greek audiences, and a symbol of collaboration, creativity, and shared humanity.”

 

The production also serves as a reminder that the legacy of Song Yingxing continues to inspire scientific thinking, manual craftsmanship, and artistic imagination—not only in China but across global cultural dialogue.

A Meaningful Night for Athens

The opening of Tiangong Kaiwu was more than a premiere—it was a shared moment between two ancient civilizations, united through theatre.

As audiences exited the theatre, many expressed hope that the production would tour across Greece, allowing more people to experience Chinese culture firsthand. Others remarked that the event symbolized how art surpasses national borders and speaks a universal language.

With this successful launch, the Sino-Hellenic International Theatre Festival continues its mission:
to deepen cultural understanding, to celebrate artistic innovation, and to build lasting dialogue between China and Greece.