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Beijing University Hopes to Lead in China's Drama Education

Beijing University hopes to be in the vanguard of China's drama education by setting up a Theater Research Institute. Vice-president Wu Zhipan said the university has advantages and resources in researching drama, including 5.3 million books, the most among China's main seats of learning, a good tradition in the humanities. and favourable Internet access.

"Our university should be in the front line of China's drama education," said Wu, while institute head. Lin Zhaohua observed that establishment of the institute would "cultivate outstanding drama personnel and pursue original dramas with Chinese traditions."

The university's Cheng Zhaoxiang, an expert on Shakespeare, said previous drama research in China "excessively" stressed the literature of texts while neglecting factors including the stage and actors - aspects which will be the focus of the institute's education. Student recruitment will begin in mid-May. Specialized institutes such as the Central Academy of Drama, Academy of China Traditional Opera, the Communication University of China, and Shanghai Theater Academy are the main forces in the training and cultivation of China's drama personnel.