CONFUCIUS CULTURE DRAMA FESTIVAL
Call for Participation and Entries
I. Theme
Harmony of Rites and Music · Transmitting Confucian Ritual and Music Culture through Drama
Bridging Cultures through Theatre, Resonating with Confucian Civilization
II. Event Duration
July 2025 – June 2026
III. Organizers
- Host:the Three Confucius Sites Scenic Area;Qufu Sankong Cultural Tourism Services Co., Ltd.
- Co-organizer:QufuCultural Relics Bureau
- Supporting Organization:Confucius Temple Protection Association of China
IV. Core Objectives
By showcasing the contemporary value of Confucian culture through diverse theatre forms, this festival aims to create immersive and participatory cultural experiences that are viewable, performable, and interactive. Relying on the creative strengths of university drama and performing arts programs, it seeks to:
- Foster the vitality of Confucian culture in modern expression;
- Promote cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding;
- Enhance the international cultural influence of the Three Confucian Sites (Sankong);
- Allow Confucian classics to transcend the written text and enter daily life and global stages.
V. Event Framework
(1) “New Voices of Confucius Culture” – University Theatre Creation Season
Core Purpose:Encourage originality, inspire youth creativity, and produce theatre works reflecting Confucian values from a contemporary youth perspective. These works will serve as a creative reservoir for the Global Theatre Showcase.
Participants:
Open to drama clubs, theatre and performing arts majors, international students, and young theatre creators and enthusiasts worldwide, forming a creative network of “local core and global resonance.”
Formats:
Diverse and inclusive. Participants may select or innovate among the following:
1. Original Works:Drama, one-act play, short play, animation, rap performance, musical, dance drama, etc.
2. Creative Adaptations:Modern reinterpretations of Confucian classics that align with current aesthetics and convey positive values.
(2) “Dialogues of Poetics and Rites” – Global Theatre Showcase season
Core Purpose:A platform for international exchange, gathering outstanding works worldwide to realize cross-cultural communication through performance.
Participants:
Outstanding works selected from the “University Theatre Creation Season,” together with submissions from overseas institutions, international cultural groups, universities, and professional theatre organizations or individual creators.
Formats:
Centered on Confucian themes and open to various artistic expressions:
1. Stage Drama:Adaptations of Confucian classics, stories, or biographies embodying benevolence (Ren), righteousness (Yi), propriety (Li), wisdom (Zhi), and faith (Xin).
2. Animated Shorts:Digital or audiovisual storytelling illustrating Confucian philosophy or quotes for online dissemination.
3.Pop music/Rap / Musical Theatre:Contemporary musical interpretations of Analects verses or Confucian idioms — fusing tradition and pop culture.
4. Other Forms:Dance theatre, puppetry, shadow play, or creative hybrids of traditional and modern performance.
(3) Chinese Classics Mini Theatre – Outstanding Works Showcase
Core Purpose: :Immersive cultural engagement combining theatre and Confucian ritual, allowing the public to experience and participate.
Venue:Poetry and Propriety Hall, Confucius Temple, Qufu
Program Highlights:
1. Selected Performances:Public showcases of outstanding works from this festival.
2. Interactive Experience:Professional performers and intangible cultural heritage inheritors from the Confucius Ceremony guiding participants in stage performance and ritual dance.
3. Hanfu Experience:Traditional costume experience with professional styling and etiquette instruction for visitors to wear Hanfu, learn Confucian rites, and take photos.
VI. Submission Requirements
(1) Content Requirements
1. Thematic Focus:Center on Confucian values — benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, faith, harmony, filial piety — promoting positive and uplifting messages.
2. Content Compliance:Healthy, inspiring, consistent with authentic Confucian classics; no vulgarity, distortion, or misuse of classical texts.
3. Innovation:Encourage modernized, youthful, and cross-cultural expressions with high creativity and uniqueness.
4. Accessibility:Works should be suitable for stage or online presentation. Subtitles: English for Chinese works (if needed) / Chinese for overseas works.
(2) Format & Specifications
1.Stage Works(including dramas, one-act plays, situational performances, etc.):A complete script must be submitted. Participants may optionally submit a performance video (HD format, MP4/MOV, with clear visuals and audio).
2.Animation / Short Film:Files should be in MP4/MOV format, without watermark, and include subtitles and a Chinese translation.
3.Music and Dance Works(including Musical theatre, Dance Drama, Rap, Pop music, etc.):A complete set of lyrics and/or script must be submitted. Participants may optionally submit a video of the work (HD format). For musical and dance theatre works, please additionally provide a brief stage design description.
4.Originality & Copyright:All works must be original or legally adapted. For adaptations, authorization from the original author must be provided. In the event of any copyright dispute, the submitter shall bear full responsibility.
(3) Submission Method
- Deadlines:
o University Theatre Creation Season:by 24:00, April 30, 2026
o Global Theatre Showcase season:by 24:00, May 15, 2026
- Submission Email:
Този имейл адрес е защитен от спам ботове. Трябва да имате пусната JavaScript поддръжка, за да го видите. - Email Subject Format:“Category – Title – Author/Team Name”
(Example: “University Theatre Creation Season – The Gentleman of Rites – Tom Brown”)
- Attachment Requirements:Works file +Application and Work Submission Form(Attachment 1).
- Each individual/team may submit up to five works.
- Awarded works grant the organizer a one-year public welfare showcase and promotional right (including online exhibition, media reports, and archives). No commercial use. Authors retain full authorship credit.
VII. Awards
- Best Cross-Cultural Adaptation Award
- Best Theatrical Performance Award
- Special Award for Confucian Cultural Communication
Outstanding entries will be included in the Excellent Traditional Culture Theatre Catalogue of the Confucius Temple Protection Association of China and recommended for non-profit performances at Confucian temples worldwide.
VIII. Additional Notes
1. The competition charges no registration or evaluation fees and involves no hidden costs. Submitted works and related materials will not be returned, so participants are advised to keep backup copies in advance.
2. The organizer will notify shortlisted and awarded participants by email or phone. All notifications will be sent to the contact information provided in the registration form. If a participant changes their contact details, they must inform the organizer in time via the official designated email address.
3. The organizer will not be responsible for any failure to receive notifications due to incorrect or unreported changes to contact information.
4. If a submitted work does not comply with the requirements, theme, or regulations specified in this announcement, the organizer reserves the right to cancel its eligibility for participation and evaluation without a separate notice.
IX. Important Notes
1. Participants must strictly follow this event plan and submission requirements, engage honestly, and avoid plagiarism or infringement — all related legal consequences shall be borne solely by the participant.
2. The organizer will provide proper on-site safety measures and logistical support to ensure smooth event implementation.
3. In case of force majeure leading to the inability to proceed with the event, the organizer reserves the right to adjust, postpone, or terminate the event accordingly.
4. Matters not covered in this announcement will be supplemented and disclosed through official channels, in accordance with relevant national laws and regulations and the established event rules.
X. Contact Information
Email:
附件Attachment 1
Application and Work Submission Form for the Confucius Culture Drama Festival