World Theatre Ambassador for the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Lemi Ponifasio called for greater global presence of Chinese artists on Thursday at the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing.
Having recently worked with people of the Yi ethnic group in Sichuan Province and taken them on a global tour, Ponifasio emphasized the importance of continuing cultural collaboration with China.
He noted that while China is a political and economic powerhouse, its voice in contemporary theater is still underrepresented.
"Chinese artists in the international arena are missing. Especially in a contemporary theatre world. China is a powerful country -- political, economic -- but you miss the cultural leadership. We need courage. I think Chinese are a little bit confident. They made the big muscle, but culturally they're a little not confident. I think China should say what they think," said Ponifasio.
Ponifasio called on China to step forward with greater cultural confidence and take a leading role in shaping global cultural dialogue.
International Theatre Institute ambassador calls for greater global presence of Chinese artists
