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Boost for University Students' Staged Dramas

For young thespians at universities across China, the 2002 University Drama Original Showcase, which began on July 10 and ends on August 1 in Beijing, is the highlight of the year. More than a dozen universities, including Peking, Tsinghua, Renmin (of China in Beijing) and Hangzhou-based Zhejiang University, participated in this year's festival. The total of 18 dramas staged were directed and performed by students.

"Students have more freedom to inject creativity into their plays, while the dramas staged at national theatres are usually constrained by commercial considerations," said Lin Zhaohua, a contemporary drama director, after he watched several performances.

By producing their own plays, students learn both the ins and outs of acting and directing and how to acquire sponsorship and locations for rehearsals and performances. Along the way, they also receive "life lessons" and often make lasting friendships. Because there is no funding from universities, many students work part-time as tutors or solicit companies for sponsorship to support their theatrical interests. "Every problem we face is an important lesson to us," summed up one student.