Shanghai Children's Art Theatre announced its 2026 performance season on Jan 13, featuring a diverse range of performances that include an innovative circus, theatrical productions, documentary concerts, and contemporary adaptations of intangible cultural heritage.

The upcoming season marks a significant expansion in both scale and quality, with more than 250 performances presented by artistic troupes from 12 countries and regions.

The lineup includes globally celebrated productions such as the BBC Earth Blue Planet concert, alongside imaginative works including Australia's creative circus Duck Pond, Chile's inventive object theater The Carnival of Animals, the US physical comedy The WoBo Show, and the Dutch sensory-theater series Be Kind. Many of these international productions will be making their Chinese debut or be staged exclusively at SHCAT.

SHCAT continues to promote traditional Chinese culture through modern interpretations, making classic art forms accessible to young audiences. The 2026 season will showcase the elegance of Kunqu Opera, the magical transformations of Sichuan Opera, and the splendor of Cantonese Opera, complemented by interactive experiences designed to deepen audience participation.

The theatre's own branded art-talk series, Rolling in the World Civilization, will launch a new edition centered on China's museums. Through lively and engaging storytelling, the series will guide children through the many layers of Chinese civilization, from the Dunhuang grottoes to the archaeological wonders of the Sanxingdui site and the Terracotta Army, making cultural heritage both accessible and meaningful.

SHCAT's acclaimed arts-access initiative for children with special needs will center on Mandarin adaptations, including Moon Song. The program will build a holistic support system that includes immersive performances, family activity guides, and a touring network spanning the Yangtze River Delta and beyond.

SHCAT is also set to further strengthen cross-sector collaborations spanning culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions. The theatre plans to expand its family-friendly carnival initiatives and deepen partnerships with leading domestic and international arts brands, including the AEMI Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Art Festival.

Source: Shanghai Observer