ITI World Congress in China from September 19

The 33rd World Congress of the International Theatre Institute, the world's largest organisation for the performing arts, will be held from September 19 to 24 at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre in Xiamen, China, says a press release.
Held under the patronage of UNESCO, the congress will have strong educational and artistic focus, manifested in the diverse range of workshops, presentations and cross-cultural collaborations with local artistes, in addition to a sumptuous showcase of Xiqu, the generic term for Chinese music theatre. This is the first ITI world congress to take place in China. The Chinese Centre of ITI is organising the congress with major support of the Chinese government and Xiamen city authorities.
The congress will be formally declared open by Zhao Shi, general secretary of China Federation of Literary and Art Circle, and Ramendu Majumdar, president of ITI Worldwide, in presence of the Mayor of Xiamen city, director of Art Department of the Ministry of Culture and prominent Chinese leaders.
At the opening ceremony, ITI Medal will be awarded to Dr. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, for his outstanding contribution to the global performing arts sector as the main benefactor of ITI. This prestigious medal is awarded to exceptional artistes and patrons of the arts to recognise the critical role they play in shaping the global performing arts through their creativity, generosity and vision. Veteran Chinese artiste, Shang Changrong will be honoured as the new World Theatre Ambassador of ITI.
A seventeen-member delegation from Bangladesh, under the leadership of Ataur Rahman (president of Bangladesh Centre of ITI) will attend the congress.
The theme of this year's congress is: 'Empowering the performing arts: A journey to Xiqu.' The opening ceremony will be followed by a gala performance by Plum Blossom Winners troupe.