China Theatre Association elects new chairman

The China Theatre Association elected Pu Cunxin, a renowned film and theatre actor, as its new chairman at the association's national conference which ended on Thursday.

Pu is currently serving as the deputy head of the Beijing People's Art Theatre and is regularly featured in stage shows. Born in 1953, he became well-known as the lead role in several important Chinese films during the 1990s, including "Bell of Purity Temple" and "Shower".

Pu will replace Shang Changrong, 75, a prominent Peking Opera actor and son of legendary Peking Opera star Shang Xiaoyun.

Members of the association also elected 14 vice chairpersons who are leading actors, actresses and directors in modern theatre and traditional operas.

It is a critical time for China's artist community and theatre artists should seize the rich opportunities presented by the times, Pu said at the conference's closing session.

"I am very lucky and grateful for all the chances these great times have offered me," he said.

Compared with acting in films, Pu said he prefers the stage and appreciates the passionate devotion of actors who choose theatre.

"Theatre is an art of the moment. It requires artists to work hard in every performance. In our association, there are many talented actors but all of them make painstaking effort on and off the stage," he said.

As the chairman, Pu promised to work with his peers to better carry on the tradition, explore new genres and create quality art works. Endi