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Meet In Beijing Festival

In the five weeks April 27 to May 31, around 30 foreign art troupes and 10 domestic troupes will gather in Beijing at the fourth Meet in Beijing Festival and Beijing's second International Drama Festival.

Internationally renowned dramas like Cats, The Barber of Seville, Peer Gynt and Waiting for Godot are on the bill, along with musical acts including the glamorous Sarah Brightman, The Chieftains, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Donal Lunny, Marry Black, Cara Dillon and Martin Hayes.

The largest group of performers comes from Africa, which is the "guest continent" for the festival. Dynamic drum performances and dance will be featured, as 10 of Africa's best ensembles (chosen from over 50 first-class troupes) will perform at both festival squares and in The Great Hall of the People.

Following the Beijing success of Riverdance in autumn last year, the Irish dance, songs and dramas that comprise the Ireland Art Festival are sure to be another major attraction during the 35 days of Meet in Beijing.