In the summer of 2025, the 8th edition of the La Chine Étincell Showcase returns as promised, bringing four distinctive Chinese productions to the world-renowned Festival d’Avignon, each one carrying the dreams and expressions of contemporary Chinese theatre-makers.

Among the lineup, the Guizhou Qian Opera Troupe presents the much-anticipated Qin Niangmei, a Qian Opera rooted in over 200 years of tradition. Originating from the regional Guizhou Yangqin singing style and influenced by Guizhou Bangzi, Qian Opera is characterized by its lyrical expressiveness and distinctive Southern Chinese performance aesthetics. Founded in 1960, the Guizhou Qian Opera Troupe has produced numerous acclaimed works. Qin Niangmei, infused with youthful energy and a fresh visual style, is co-directed by the renowned Chen Tao and Yu Fengxia. Set in Chejiang Township of Rongjiang County over a century ago, the story follows a beautiful and kind-hearted Dong ethnic girl, Qin Niangmei, and her childhood sweetheart, Zhulong. Their pure and sincere love is challenged by the constraints of an outdated “cousin marriage” custom.

Also taking the stage is a bold intercultural reimagining of Molière’s classic The Miser, performed in the traditional Kunqu Opera style by the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre. Kunqu, with a history spanning over six centuries, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2001 as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre, founded in 1957, is the only professional Kunqu troupe north of the Yangtze River. Under the leadership of acclaimed performer Yang Fengyi, the troupe makes its second appearance at the Festival d’Avignon. This unique fusion—French classic literature reinterpreted through the lens of Chinese Kunqu—promises an exceptional artistic encounter.

Next is The Story of an Accident, a daring new work by Feng Lu Studio, which once again probes the relationship between audience and performance. This is a play about a play that can no longer go on. The actors, well-prepared, are interrupted by unforeseen realities; the audience, once passive, suddenly finds themselves pulled into the unfolding drama. As the original plot dissolves, the boundary between fiction and reality blurs. Through absurdity, young theatre-makers explore truth. Directed by Feng Lu, this new work offers a meta-theatrical experience that is provocative and inventive.

The final performance is My Name is A-Ton, a wordless puppet and physical theatre piece co-created by artists from four countries. Co-produced by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles, supported by the Beijing Cultural Development Foundation, facilitated by AFETEA, and jointly developed by Santouqi Theatre Company (China) and Les Enfants de la Justice (France), this production is adapted from the novel by Chinese author Zhou Xiaofeng. The character A-Ton—a spirited, athletic, and ever-curious panda—was first introduced to global audiences at last year’s Avignon festival. This summer, A-Ton returns to the newly renovated Théâtre de l’Étincelle. Combining childlike wonder, rhythmic movement, and poetic imagery, the story unfolds without spoken language, yet speaks volumes.

In addition, on July 23 at 22:00, we will host the “A-Ton’s Journey” Artist Exchange event at the Festival OFF Village—A-Ton warmly invites you to join!
Thirteen years ago, Santouqi Theatre made its debut at the Avignon Festival. By 2025, the company will have presented 10 productions and nearly 160 performances, making it the most frequently invited Chinese troupe in the festival’s history.

Organized by the Association Française des Échanges Théâtraux Euro-Asiatiques (AFETEA) and produced by Santouqi Theatre, the Shining China Showcase has now reached its eighth edition. Over the years, it has presented 38 productions by 23 Chinese theatre companies, totaling more than 280 performances in Avignon.

This platform exists to foster bold exchanges between international artists, to encourage cross-cultural artistic collisions, and to allow diverse theatrical voices to resonate with global audiences. Shining China continues to shine not only as a showcase of Chinese theatre, but as a vibrant space for connection, dialogue, and new beginnings.