As a distinguished actor and director in the field of theater performance and production in China, Li worked with the national level theater troupes and received many top prizes. In this lecture, Li will present a lecture about contemporary theatre in China, both mainstream and non-mainstream theatre. Mr. Li will also discuss Chinese theatrical skits (小品xiaopin), a unique form of contemporary Chinese theatre. Drawing from his own practical experiences, Mr. Li will delve in the origin, rules of creation and performance of theatrical skits as well as how theatrical skits refer to other forms of art.

Mr. LI Wenqi served as a National Class-A (top class) actor and director in the CPC Central Military Commission Political Department Drama Troupe before his retirement. He holds Bachelor’s degree from the Technology and Business University of China (1963-1968) and pursued advanced study at the Central Academy of Drama (1984-1987). Li has been working in the fields of theatre, theatrical skit, TV show and movie performance for more than forty years and captured numerous national prizes in theatrical performance. He also brought his work to the CCTV New Year’s Gala a number of times and performed in Europe and the U.S.