China’s post-Covid performing arts scene is poised for ‘explosive growth’ in concerts and festivals
- China’s performing arts industry is showing signs of recovery after a massive wave of coronavirus outbreaks rattled the country early this year
- Beijing resumed approval of commercial shows from abroad on Monday after a three-year suspension, much to the delight of music and arts fans
On a recent midweek evening, a stand-up comedy club inside a shopping centre on Shanghai’s Nanjing Road roared with laughter.
On stage, a comedian delivered punchline after punchline, drawing howls of approval from the 100 or so people in the crowd.
Alice Ni, who was in the audience that night, was lapping up the atmosphere. It had been about a year since she had been to a live show.
“There’s plenty of stuff to watch online at home, but the atmosphere here is much different,” said the 25 year old.
“Now that Covid is behind and there are no health control measures, I hope there can be more offline performances, especially renowned art troupes from overseas.”
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