Promoting Greek-Chinese cultural exchange on stage

The Athens audience was this month treated to three performances of the “white snake legend,” one of the four great myths on the love pattern in the history of China, produced by the Sino-Hellenic Performing Arts Alliance.

On June 11-13 the stage of the Trianon Theater-Cinema, in the center of Athens hosted “The Myth of the White Snake • Remix.” With this original and innovative show, classic myths and cultural symbols of China with similar elements from Greek mythology and culture were presented together, and more than 600 Chinese and Greek spectators had the opportunity to participate in a unique cultural experience of combining two great cultures, while highlighting their relevance.

The play was presented for the first time on the Athens stage. It was a bold and groundbreaking adaptation of the classic Chinese legend, incorporating elements from ancient Greek mythology.

One of them, peculiar to the Chinese and Greek identity of the work, was the choice by the screenwriter and director of the play, Flora Wang, to highlight in the play the relevance of the snake in the rod of the ancient Greek god of Health and Medicine, Asklepios, with the symbolism of the West Lake snake in Chinese myth, captivating viewers.

Formed in March 2021 in Athens, the Sino-Hellenic Performing Arts Alliance is a not-for-profit cultural organization. It is also planning more productions, aimed at promoting the exchange and dialogue between the cultures of Greece and China.