SHANGHAI, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 600 scholars from more than 40 countries and regions are gathering in Shanghai to exchange views on drama, performance and urbanization.
They are attending the International Federation of Theatre Research (IFTR) Conference that kicked off Monday and is the first to be held in China.
"As the birthplace and a hub of modern Chinese drama, Shanghai witnessed the introduction of Western drama and provided a stage for the modernization of traditional Chinese drama," said Xie Wei, secretary of the Party Committee of the Shanghai Theatre Academy, host of the event.
"With a growing demand for drama, the metropolitan city has set up the goal of building a global filming center and a leading city of performing arts in Asia," said Huang Changyong, dean of the academy.
IFTR awarded the 2019 Academic Newcomer Award and the Helsinki Award to scholars from Trinity College Dublin and Japan's Meiji University at the conference.
Scholars will discuss more than 70 topics including new media, new life and cross-culture dramas at the conference, which is scheduled to close on July 12.
Established in 1957, IFTR is a platform for drama and performance researchers worldwide, with members from 44 countries. IFTR holds its conference every four years.
