The opening ceremony of the second season of the National Theater of China's Young Directors Creation Support Program takes place in Jining, Shandong province on Aug 13. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The second season of the National Theater of China's Young Directors Creation Support Program opened with a grand ceremony on Aug 13 at the Nishan Sacred Land in Qufu, Jining, Shandong province.

Hosted by the National Theater of China in cooperation with the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Jining municipal people's government, the Aug 13 to 27 event will integrate modern theatrical art with traditional Chinese culture, especially Confucian cultural legacy, at the birthplace of great Chinese philosopher Confucius.

During his speech at the opening ceremony, Deputy Governor of Shandong Deng Yunfeng said that excellent traditional Chinese culture is the root and soul of the Chinese nation, as well as the source of artistic creation. He affirmed the event's role in promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture.

He also said that Shandong is striving to promote the integration of culture and tourism, and called for more support to help Shandong become a province with strong culture.

Tian Qinxin, director of the National Theater of China, said she expects the creations of young artists to convey interpretations of cultural classics and showcase a youthful cultural self-confidence.

Lin Hongyu, Party secretary of Jining, said that the event allows traditional culture to interact with modern life and the inheritance of Confucianism to merge with theatrical art, which demonstrates cultural inheritance through the power of drama and will create a wonderful cultural feast.

From Aug 13 to 27, 10 outstanding original plays by young directors, five specially-invited plays, and six works from universities will be staged in Jining. In addition, the event will feature two CNT live performances, five documentary film screenings, nine master lectures, seven art workshops, and many other interesting cultural experience activities.

Young directors are honored at the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Nishan Sacred Land in Qufu, Jining, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]