Huazhong University of Science and Technology participates in the 19th Session of the International University Theatre Festival

Guided by the Ministry of Culture of Tunisia and organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Tunisia, the "19th Session of the International University Theatre Festival in Monastir" took place from August 5 to August 13, 2023, at the  Monastir University Cultural Center and SIDI Dhuib Ribat in Monastir, Tunisia. The event attracted over a hundred outstanding university theater teams from more than 50 countries worldwide.

Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), as the only Chinese university nominated by the Sino-North Africa Education Innovation Association, brought their dance drama "The Legend of the White Snake" to compete in Tunisia. With its outstanding performance, the university showcased the infinite charm of traditional Chinese repertoire to the world.

The "19th Session of the International University Theatre Festival in Monastir," guided by the Ministry of Culture of Tunisia and organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Tunisia, with the Sino-North Africa Education Innovation Association as a co-organizer, is an international campus theater event aimed at promoting exchange and cooperation among young theater practitioners worldwide. The activities included an opening parade, roundtable discussions, theatrical performances by various troupes, and an award ceremony.

The delegation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), through exquisite stage design, impeccable costumes, and emotionally charged performances by the actors, ingeniously incorporated the classic story of "The Legend of the White Snake" into modern dance drama. This elicited rounds of applause and cheers from the live audience.

In a fiercely competitive environment, the delegation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) stood out with their exceptional performance, earning high recognition from both judges and spectators. This not only showcased the brilliance of Chinese university student groups on the international stage but also contributed to the promotion of Chinese culture in a foreign land.

Following the competition, under the arrangement of the Vice President of the Sino-North Africa Education Innovation Association, the delegation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) visited Monastir University in Tunisia. They engaged in Chinese language learning exchange activities with local students and explored distinctive cultural landmarks in Tunisia. This cross-cultural exchange, transcending language barriers, not only enriched the students' perspectives but also laid a solid foundation for friendship and mutual trust between China and Tunisia.

Tunisia is one of the important countries along "the Belt and Road" initiative, with a leading education system in Africa. Since the "Forum on China-Africa Cooperation" in 2018, the Tunisian government has placed increased emphasis on collaboration with China in various fields. In the context of the International University Theatre Festival in Monastir, the outstanding performance brought by the delegation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), along with their participation in cultural exchange activities, not only showcased the charm of Chinese theatrical arts but also built a strong bridge for cultural exchange between China and Tunisia. This contribution aligns with President Xi Jinping's important speech on "tell China's stories well, spread China's experience, make China's voice heard, and enable China's education to be more influential and have a greater say in the world."

In the future, the SNAEIA will continue to strengthen educational exchange and cooperation with North African countries, actively promote student exchange programs, and facilitate cultural exchange, inheritance, and innovation between China and North African countries. This aims to build a solid platform for cultural exchange between China and North African countries.

The 20th Session of the International University Theatre Festival in Monastir is set to commence in 2025, and domestic university theater troupes (including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) are warmly invited to participate!