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The Beijing Opera has performed twice at the Grand Théâtre in Geneva. Such a spectacle goes beyond just a simple cultural event. For the Chinese authorities, it is also a means to win hearts and minds abroad.
A true classic in the literary tradition “Sun Wukong’s Fantastic Journey” combines singing, music, dance, theatre and martial arts with to bring stories from Chinese folklore to life. The central theme of the story is that of the rebellion of the monkey king against the power of the emperor.
By showcasing its rich culture, China is exercising its soft power like the US does through film and music. Cultural activities help to give a more positive image of a country. Beijing spends around 10 billion dollars a year on image building.