A wave of classic European theater is touring China this year, bringing iconic works from Italy and Russia to local audiences and deepening cultural exchange.

In commemoration of the 165th anniversary of Anton Chekhov's birth, Moscow Art Theatre's production of The Seagull is touring Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and other cities. The play, first staged in 1896, became a milestone in world theater history after Konstantin Stanislavski's 1898 revival. Today, the seagull remains the emblem of the Moscow Art Theatre.

Audiences in Shanghai were also offered exhibitions and lectures on Russian literature. "The play speaks to struggles shared across languages and cultures," said director and theatre head Konstantin Khabenskiy, noting that the production even added Chinese expressions to enhance humor and resonance. Natalia Stepankina, Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in China, highlighted the performance as part of the "China-Russia Cultural Year," underscoring Chekhov's enduring popularity in China. The Italian musical Divine Comedy began its China tour in April, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Italy. Adapted from Dante Alighieri's epic poem, the production fuses rock, pop, and opera with 3D stage design to recreate Dante's vision of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. Alongside the performances, a Sino-Italian forum on cultural exchange united experts from both countries to discuss heritage and innovation. "The Divine Comedy shows that love—its imbalance, repentance and redemption—is a universal theme," said actor Antonello Angiolillo, who plays Dante. Director Andrea Ortis added that the integration of music, dance, and digital technology allows audiences to rediscover the classic through a contemporary lens.

Both tours are seen as milestones in cultural diplomacy. Guo Liqun, General Manager of China Arts and Entertainment Group, said the projects inject cultural momentum into building closer ties and mutual understanding. Italian Ambassador Massimo Ambrosetti praised the enthusiasm of Chinese audiences, expressing hope for lasting friendship between the two nations.