Creative interpretations of Chinese culture are abounding at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the Scottish capital, where nearly four million people have arrived for the cultural feast.
The festival's Chinese Culture Week, under the theme of "Echoes of Love," is showcasing 11 performances showing Chinese arts, heritage, and innovation.
Among the highlights are a magic show that brings ancient Chinese illusions back to life, a street-dance show that combines epic Chinese myths with hip-hop energy, and an adventure that celebrates Sichuan heritage through traditional puppetry and craft arts.
Yi Tang is the director of the drama Wukong and Kong, a witty retelling of the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, blending ancient mythology with everyday life. In her view, bringing the event to audiences at the world's largest fringe festival is an opportunity to share a deeper understanding of Chinese culture with the world.
"They all know China, but they do not really know the Chinese culture, so we have the responsibility to let them know the real Chinese culture, such as our show," she said.
For Meghan Winstanley and Amy, the stars of an East-meets-West musical titled "The Silk Road (Kinda)," their friendship reflects the cross-cultural connections the Week seeks to foster.
"Being friends with Amy, it's been so lovely to see all of her culture and she's so willing to share it all with me -- like the food, the fashion. Everything about your culture is so stunning and gorgeous," Winstanley said.
"No matter how different your culture is, there are still the beauty of similarity in humanity that you can embrace, and I want that to convey through my show," said Amy.
Winnie Wen, an organizer of Chinese Culture Week, said the storytelling that happens on stage helps bridge cultural gaps.
"I find that people like stories, and when there is a story for them to learn and understand, there are no more barriers and even no more language barriers. You understand body language -- a tea set up like this means everyone understands or everyone's welcomed to come and drink," she said.
Beyond the stage, Chinese Culture Week also offers visitors hands-on experiences of Chinese customs, such as Chinese tea, handcrafts, and traditional Chinese game mahjong.
The annual cultural feast in Edinburgh, with a series of cultural events including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, kicked off on Aug. 7 this year.
Culture Week captivates Edinburgh with twists on Chinese tradition
