Annual cultural event opens eighth edition in Beijing, exploring diverse themes through 35 productions, Chen Nan reports.

The Lao She Theater Festival, an annual cultural event in Beijing, celebrates renowned Chinese playwright and novelist Lao She (1899-1966).

Named after the famous writer, whose works explore social issues in modern China with wit and humanism, the festival features performances of Lao She's plays and other contemporary theatrical works, with a highlight on the connection between theatrical productions and literary works.

On Sept 27, the eighth edition of the festival was announced at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. In the following three months, 35 theatrical productions will be staged in the capital with 90 performances divided into seven sections. The festival showcases a variety of theatrical performances not just by Lao She but also new plays by contemporary playwrights from China and beyond.