​Opening Ceremony of the Russian Classic Dual-Theatre Showcase and Inauguration of the Shenzhen MSU-BIT University Art Center Internship and Practice Base Successfully Held

Recently, the Opening Ceremony of the Russian Classic Dual-Theatre Showcase and the Inauguration of the Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU) Art Center Internship and Practice Base were grandly held at the Shenzhen Bay Art Center. Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Marina Chumurina, Consul of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Guangzhou; Liu Xiaoxi, Director of the Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Bao’an District, Shenzhen; Anton Pukhorov, Deputy General Manager of the Vakhtangov Theatre of Russia; Irina Kupchenko, People’s Artist of Russia and recipient of the Order of Honour of the Russian Federation; Yang Chuanzhu, Chairman of the Shenzhen Bay Art Center; as well as Ekaterina Nadezhdina, Director of the Art Center of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University; Alexander Ledenev, Director of the Faculty of Philology; Olga Danilina, Deputy Director of the Faculty; and Professor Galina Stepanenko, Head of Dance Education at the Art Center. The event was co-hosted in Chinese and Russian by Wang Haidong, host of Shenzhen Satellite TV, and Fang Zhou, a graduate student from the Faculty of Philology at Shenzhen MSU-BIT University.

As a key cultural event marking the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the showcase specially invited the Vakhtangov Theatre of Russia, a national treasure of Russian performing arts, to present two masterpieces of world literature — Eugene Onegin and Uncle Vanya. Both productions, directed by the renowned Rimas Tuminas, mark the theatre’s first return to South China in six years. Notably, Uncle Vanya is being staged in China for the very first time, and both performances represent the debut of these classics before Shenzhen audiences.

In her speech, Marina Chumurina stated, “Cultural and artistic exchange is an essential component of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China in the new era. The touring performances of the Vakhtangov Theatre’s classic productions, together with the establishment of the Shenzhen MSU-BIT University Art Center Internship and Practice Base, represent the concrete implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of both nations and a practical step in deepening cooperation under the framework of the ‘Years of Russian and Chinese Culture.’” She emphasized that these initiatives would strengthen the social foundation for the continued development of bilateral relations and cultivate the next generation of talents for cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries.

Anton Pukhorov shared his anticipation for the upcoming performances, saying, “Eugene Onegin and Uncle Vanya have been staged in 30 countries worldwide, over 50 cities across Russia, and in many regions of China. Now, as these two productions come to Shenzhen for the very first time, we look forward to engaging in a heartfelt dialogue with Chinese audiences through the language of theatre, bringing them a true celebration of art.” Irina Kupchenko, People’s Artist of Russia and representative actor of the Vakhtangov Theatre, focused on the theme of educational exchange in her remarks: “There is still much to explore and discuss within theatre education systems. The collaboration between universities in our two countries marks a valuable first step, creating new opportunities for dialogue and cooperation in the field of performing arts education.”

At the ceremony, the Art Center of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University presented a series of captivating artistic performances. The traditional Qiang ethnic dance “Voice of the Mountains” showcased the grace and vitality of Chinese traditional culture, while the Russian classic song “Moscow Quadrille” conveyed the warmth and exuberance of the Slavic spirit, creating a vivid dialogue between Chinese and Russian cultural expressions.

To deepen university–enterprise collaboration, the Internship and Practice Base jointly established by the Shenzhen Bay Art Center and the Art Center of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University was officially inaugurated. Yang Chuanzhu, Chairman of the Shenzhen Bay Art Center, stated that the new base will provide students with a professional platform for artistic practice, offering hands-on experience in production management, stage operation, and performance organization. The goal, he noted, is to cultivate well-rounded artistic talents who possess both a deep understanding of Chinese and Russian cultures and a broad international perspective. Ekaterina Nadezhdina, Director of the Art Center of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, remarked that this collaboration has opened a new model for Sino-Russian art education. Students will not only gain exposure to the essence of Russian theatrical art, but also have opportunities to train and intern at leading art venues in China. This mutual empowerment, she emphasized, will effectively promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese and Russian culture.

The showcase served as the grand finale of the Fourth Bay Area International Theatre Life Season organized by the Shenzhen Bay Art Center. By introducing world-class theatrical productions to local audiences, the event enriches the cultural landscape of the Greater Bay Area, builds a bridge for dialogue between Chinese and global civilizations, and supports Shenzhen’s vision of becoming an international hub for cultural and artistic exchange. As the melody of “Moscow Nights” filled the hall, Chinese and Russian guests poured golden sand together, symbolically inaugurating the “2025 Russian Classic Dual-Theatre Showcase” at the Shenzhen Bay Art Center and unveiling the Internship and Practice Base of the Art Center of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University.