From April 24 to 27, 2024, a delegation of 6 led by President Hao Rong of the Central Academy of Drama (CAD) visited Russia. The delegation included Jin Yan, Assistant to the President and Director of the Development Planning Office, Wang Xin, Dean of Acting, Yang Shuo, Dean of Directing, Sun Liang, Director of Experimental Theatre Troupe, and Yan Chao, a teacher from the Department of Theatre Pedagogy. During their stay in Russia, President Hao Rong and his team visited the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute and the Vakhtangov Theatre, with whom they conducted in-depth discussions on actively promoting and implementing various cooperation details and further strengthening international collaboration based on the signed memorandum of cooperation among the three parties.

CAD visitors were warmly received by Evgeny Knyazev, Rector of the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute, Irina Morozova, Vice-Rector for Academic, Scientific and Methodological Work, and among representatives from various departments warmly. Evgeny Knyazev introduced the history of the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute, its training programs, curriculum system, and so on. In response, Hao Rong comprehensively introduced the development and construction of the Central Academy of Drama, highly appreciated the long-term support given by the former President of the Theatre Institute, Boris Knyazev, since the establishment of the Academy, and expressed a willingness to actively promote cooperation with the Institute. The two sides then touched upon the training system of artists, student practice, artistic creation, academic research, and how to use theatrical art as a carrier to deepen practical cooperation between China and Russia in the field of education, aiming to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries and foster China-Russia friendship. They reached a consensus on the upcoming cooperative projects. Under the accompaniment of Evgeny Knyazev The delegation observed a class and a student performance by the Acting Department of the Institute.

Group photo with representatives from the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute

On April 26, the delegation visited the Vakhtangov Theatre. Accompanied by the theatre’s General Manager, Kirill Krok, they toured the theatre to know about its facilities and history, and reviewed valuable artistic archives from Chinese artists during their exchanges at the theatre. They then watched a brilliant performance by the theatre. During the talks, both sides agreed on continuing to expand exchanges and cooperation, and looked forward to playing an active role in promoting China-Russia cultural exchange.

Group photo with Kirill Krok and Evgeny Knyazev