A comparison of Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu from various scholars

"They were both great playwrights; they extracted material from others' works and challenged conventions in drama."

Zhao Jingshen (1902-1985), a Chinese novelist

"Neither had the freedom to make up stories to reveal the nature of reality. Instead, they chose to borrow ancient legend to criticize the reality."

Xu Shuofang (1923-2007), a scholar of Chinese classics

"They lived in an age when England and China were both experiencing a boom in theatrical culture."

Tian Yuan Tan, with the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies

Highlights

April 8-11

Cultural Festival and International Conference on Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare in Suichang, Zhejiang province

April 20

Professor Martin Butler will give a talk on China on the culture of Shakespeare's England at Leeds University

April 22

Dr. Catherine Swatek will discuss “Peony Pavilion” at Rhodes College, Memphis, USA

April 23

Shakespeare's birthday; 400th anniversary celebrations will take place at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon

April 23

Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall will officially open its doors in Stratford-upon-Avon

July 27

Leeds Intercultural Theatre Festival will open at Leeds University and the play A Midsummer Night's DREAMING Under the Southern Bough will be performed

Throughout August

An exhibition about Tang Xianzu will be on display at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Sept 24-26

A Tang Xianzu-Shakespeare Festival and conference will be held in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province