Future theater finds a stage

For her, the Showcase is "a platform to spark new possibilities and nurture creative circulation". One such mechanism was a theater observers group whose members attended and responded to the new works. "If they see a piece they like, they might recommend it to a wider audience," Nie notes.

Another mechanism — less visible to the public but vital for creators — brings project directors from theater companies across the country to the festival. "If they feel a certain production is a good fit, they might extend an invitation on the spot and arrange performances in their regions.

"Our jury also includes several artistic directors from internationally renowned theater festivals. If they're drawn to a work, they may even invite the team to perform overseas," she adds. "We're doing our utmost to build a comprehensive, multidimensional platform to help theater practitioners share and showcase their works."

This year's Showcase featured nine productions selected from 387 submissions, spanning dance theater, physical theater, traditional opera and interactive performances. Together, they explored themes of the moment and the eternal, life and death, AI and the future.