Drama performances in small theaters in Beijing have enjoyed great popularity during the Qingming Festival holiday this year, which runs from Friday to Sunday.
At the 77 Theater in the city's Dongcheng District, an immersive suspense drama "Inside No. 9", adapted from the British black comedy anthology TV series of the same name, is the main show during the holiday. In order to create a tense atmosphere, the organizers also arranged for the actors to interact with the audience before the performance.
Through the interactive stage form of the small theater, the close contact between the audience and the actors makes the intricate storyline and gripping plots more vivid and immersive, which is unique from the traditional large theater, said audience members.
"The small theater is more immersive. Because I sat in the front row, the actors were very close to me and I could see all aspects of their expression and state," said an audience member.
"Our current holiday attendance rate can basically be maintained at over 80 percent. We will decide whether to add more shows based on the holiday arrangements and ticket sales," said Duan Junru, operation director of Inside No.9.
"Last year, we had 200 immersive performances. This year, we have increased the number to 350, and we are performing nearly every day. Currently, we maintain cooperation with theaters in operating all consumption-oriented businesses in the park, with joint operation of ticket sales and businesses for consumption, so as to promote diversified consumption by visitors," said Ban Yuan, manager of Beijing 77 Theater.
More emerging performing arts spaces have also attracted visitors during the holiday with their advantages.
The Star Theater in the city's Xicheng District has emerged art exhibitions, cafes and other business formats with drama performances to create a multifunctional leisure space during the holiday.
"During this year's Qingming Festival holiday, the overall sales have been very good and basically all the tickets have been sold out. We hope that consumers who come to our Star Theater will not only watch plays, but also take a break, read a book, and drink a cup of coffee," said Hao Weili, operation director of the entertainment compound.
The Qingming Festival, also known as the Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday, is a time-honored traditional event for Chinese families to pay tribute to the deceased and worship their ancestors by visiting tombs. Increasing numbers of people nowadays also use the holiday as an occasion to make spring outing and enjoy leisure entertainment.
Small theater performances enjoy big popularity in Beijing during Qingming Festival holiday
