By Maria Spiliopoulou
ATHENS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Members of a Greek theater company that recently returned from their first tour of China have described how the trip dramatically changed their preconceptions of the country.
"The Railway Carriage Theater to Treno sto Rouf" from Athens has been taking audiences on magical journeys aboard an antique train wagon since 1997. In September this year, a six-member troupe from the company toured four Chinese cities - Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Pengzhou, and Chengdu - performing their show "Women of Passion, Women of Greece."
Tatiana Ligari, founder and artistic director of the company, told Xinhua that the Chinese tour "was a trip I had always dreamed of. I wanted to see China, and it was a gift to combine it with work, as it allowed us to explore the country more deeply."
"Women of Passion, Women of Greece" was performed 11 times in China. It tells the stories of three iconic Greek women: Medea, a tragic figure from ancient Greek mythology; Maria Callas, the 20th-century opera diva; and Melina Mercouri, an actress-turned-political activist.
Before departing from Athens, both Ligari and Arapidi said they had been anxious about how language barriers might affect their connection with Chinese audiences. However, the women were deeply moved by the warm reception, with Chinese theatergoers eager to learn more about Greek culture in lively discussions after each performance. Ligari was especially touched by the opportunity to engage with Chinese artists, scholars, and students who study Greek civilization.
As tourists, both Ligari and Arapidi were captivated by China's rich cultural history and impressive technological advancements. Ligari said she was "awed" by landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts.
The tech-savvy Chinese people Ligari met on the trip, who were able to use translation and payment apps, also assuaged her anxiety about navigating daily life in China without a translator.
Both artists were equally impressed by the peaceful, clean streets and the widespread use of electric and hybrid vehicles. Arapidi, in particular, marveled at the tranquility of cities, with lush green parks nestled among the skyscrape.
Arapidi sampled many kinds of local cuisine during her trip, where she noted the similarities between Chinese and Greek families. She told Xinhua that both of them prioritize close familial bonds.
The trip has reshaped Arapidi's view of China, she said, and she hopes to continue exploring the cultural connections between the two nations, starting with the arts.
Strengthening cultural exchanges between Greece and China is key to fostering better mutual understanding, the artists underlined. "The Chinese people have so much to share and are eager to communicate. We need to listen to each other more," Arapidi said. ■
