The Luhu Art Center in Longhua District is hosting a series of Georgian theatrical performances, dance shows and cultural activities from Oct. 21 to 25. Photos courtesy of Luhu Art Center

A five-day cultural festival featuring Georgian theater, folk dance, puppetry and artistic exchanges opened in Shenzhen's Longhua District on Oct. 21, offering residents a chance to experience Georgian culture as the city prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in November.

Running from Oct. 21 to 25, the "Light of the Silk Road" cultural exchange week brings together Georgian performing arts groups and the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe for a series of performances, workshops and public activities at the Shenzhen Luhu Art Center and Shenzhen International Art Museum.

The program includes theatrical productions, traditional music and dance, puppet shows, discussions with artists and a cultural market featuring Georgian wine, crafts and food.

A meeting of artistic traditions

Posters promote "Diary of a Madman" (L), presented by Georgia's Theater Factory 42 on Oct. 21 and 22, and joint performances by the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe and Georgia's Rustavi National Song and Dance Ensemble on Oct. 24 and 25 at the Luhu Art Center. 

One of the festival's highlights is "Diary of a Madman," performed by Georgia's Theatre Factory 42 at the Luhu Art Center on Oct. 21 and 22.

Directed by Levan Tsuladze, the production is adapted from Nikolai Gogol's classic short story about a low-ranking civil servant whose frustrations and delusions lead to a psychological breakdown. The performances begin at 8 p.m. on both evenings. 

On Oct. 24 and 25, the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe will join Georgia's Rustavi National Song and Dance Ensemble for performances showcasing the musical and dance traditions of both countries. The concerts are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Tbilisi State Puppet Theatre will also present two productions, "Lullaby" and "Georgia," at the art center's black box theater on both days, with performances beginning at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. 

Posters promote "Lullaby" (L) and "Georgia," two productions by the Tbilisi State Puppet Theater scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25 at the Luhu Art Center in Longhua District.

Beyond the stage

The festival also offers opportunities for visitors to engage directly with performers and learn more about Georgian artistic traditions.

A cross-cultural discussion of Gogol's "Diary of a Madman" is scheduled for Oct. 21, followed by a lecture on the history of Georgian art on Oct. 22.

Members of the Rustavi ensemble will lead a dance and music workshop on Oct. 23, while Georgian and Shenzhen puppetry artists will take part in an exchange on Oct. 24.

The program extends beyond the theater, with a public performance by the Rustavi ensemble planned at the Shenzhen International Art Museum.

At the Luhu Art Center, a Georgian wine and arts market will introduce visitors to the country's wine culture, alongside traditional food, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodwork and other crafts.

The art center has also established an APEC-themed photo spot where visitors can leave messages and take part in activities celebrating Shenzhen's role as host of the upcoming meetings.

Visitors explore the spacious interior of the Luhu Art Center in Longhua District. The venue is hosting performances, workshops and cultural exchanges during the five-day Georgian arts festival.