China National Theater, a merger of China Youth Theater and Central Experimental Theater was founded and with this is also a movie art center set up December 25 in Beijing. Sun Jiazheng, minister of Culture attended the unveiling ceremony, Zhao Youliang, China's famous performer serves as president of the theater founded.

Zhao said that the theater is to be built into a world first-class theater. All staff will be employed under a contract system and paid according to work performance. Theatrical creation, personnel management and stage performance will be stressed and marketed oriented.

Many famous actors and actresses have been employed in the theater including Lei Kesheng, Li Fazeng and such famous drama performers as Tang Guoqiang, Bao Guoan and others.

China Youth Theater

China Youth Theater, as predecessor of the new theater, was founded in April 1949. Its first president was Liao Chengzhi. So far, some 2000 dramas have since been staged by it and these like "Li Shaungshuang", "When Maples Turn Red", "Green House", etc. have been put on stage for the most in portraying themes reflecting modern life in China.

The Central Experimental Theater

The Central Experimental Theater was founded in September 1956, its first president was Ouyang Yuqian, China drama's founder, also famous dramatist. During the 40 years since its founding, many domestic and foreign dramas were performed. Recent years' representative dramas performed include "Thunderstorm", "Share Happiness and Sorrows", "Two Hosts and One Servant" and others.

(People? Daily December 27, 2001)