“Jinhua Sample” of China-Africa Cultural Cooperation Successfully Created
The 2023 China-Africa Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Month entitled “Closer People-to-people Ties, Cultural Exchange, Win-win Cooperation”, organized by Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and Jinhua Municipal People’s Government, sponsored by Jinhua Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism and Zhejiang Wuju Opera Research Centre kicked off at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia On September 8, 2023.
As this year marks the 60th Anniversary of OAU/AU and “AU Day” is celebrated on September 9, Zhejiang Wuju Opera Research Centre staged a Themed Theatrical Performance as a gift and feast to over 500 officials of African countries and the African Union Commission Headquarters to express sincere blessings to them.
Hu Changchun, Head of Chinese Mission and ambassador to the African Union, Wang Xiaoping, Director of Zhejiang Wuju Opera Research Centre, Lelise Duga Jebessa, Commissioner of Oromia Tourism Commission, Nega Wedajo, Deputy Commissioner of Oromia Tourism Commission, Ethiopia and H.E.Albert Muchanga, AUC Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals were present at the activity upon gracious invitation.
Hu Changchun, Head of Chinese Mission and ambassador to the African Union, expressed in his speech that the unique charm of Chinese culture can be better appreciated and China’s efforts in pursuing a community of shared future for humanity, world peace and harmony can be better understood with the cultural exchanges and sharing of this activity.
In his speech, H. E. Albert Muchanga, AUC Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals expressed his welcome as well as his expectation for deeper cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win scenario of both parties with this activity as an opportunity.
Wuju Opera, one of the most representative Chinese operas, is also a cultural golden card of Zhejiang. Zhejiang Wuju Opera Research Centre staged such classic plays as “Monkey Subduing White-Skeleton Demon”, “Lu Bu’s Horse-Testing”, “Crossroads”, “Carrying a Wedding Sedan Chair” as well as Wuju Opera musical pieces, such as Hui-hu solo “Hui Tunes” and Suona Solo “Beating Jujubes”, showcasing a new splendor of Chinese Opera and winning the applause of the guests. Jinhua Wuju Opera has been staged in about 50 countries and regions worldwide and the performers, as messengers of cultural exchange, spread excellent traditional Chinese culture, and introduced the culture of Zhejiang and Jinhua to the rest of the world, which gained better understanding, recognition and love of people all over the world to China and Zhejiang.
Besides, a unique Wuju Opera exhibition was set up in the venue, so guests had a closer understanding of the stories behind. Exquisite costumes, gorgeous headdresses and folding fans, English opera books and other exhibits on display and their stories drew the China-Africa cultural exchange and mutual ties closer. The video showing the fruits of China-Africa cultural cooperation and exchanges played at the scene bears witness to the profound and long-lasting friendly ties between China and Africa.
Furthermore, more cultural exchange activities organized by 2023 China-Africa Cultural Cooperation and Exchange Month will be staged in South Africa, Tanzania, Eritrea and other African countries. It is expected the wonderful culture, tourism and art will bring the people of China and Africa closer and more beautiful collaboration will be achieved in the future.