Diana Puzikova, from Greece, is an international student at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

For Diana, Shanghai is not only the place where her dreams began but also a second home where she has found a deep sense of belonging. Her story reflects how theater connects two cultures and weaves art into everyday life.

Before coming to Shanghai, Diana lived on a slow-paced Greek island. Yet, she always dreamed of living in a metropolis featuring modern skyscrapers and abundant artistic opportunities. A chance encounter brought her to Shanghai and sparked her strong desire to stay in the city.

In the spring of 2024, Diana was enrolled as a Chinese language student at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Her exploration of the city began with the Huashan Road campus. She enjoyed Shanghai-style citywalk routes, immersing herself in the city's urban charm and artistic atmosphere.

It was there that she encountered traditional Chinese opera for the first time. As she watched the costumes and listened to the singing, she felt a deep resonance. She said that, although Greek theater and Chinese opera come from different cultures, she could feel the common emotions, humanity, and the pursuit of beauty.

Beyond her language studies, Diana actively engages in various artistic practices and cultural exchanges. In 2025, she participated in a urban exploration event, took part in filming the promotional video for the Shanghai Theatre Academy's 80th anniversary, and performed the Greek rendition of The Merchant of Venice during the gala.

She also participated in the national finals of the second "Elegance of China, Harmony of the World" University Student Telling China's Story Competition on Dec 5, where she won the Outstanding International Narration Award for her entry "My Shanghai Story: From the Aegean Sea to the Huangpu River".

In her story, there is no grand narrative, only sincere personal feelings: longing for her hometown, love for Shanghai's cuisine, and insights into the two theatrical traditions of China and Greece. She believes that telling China's story is beyond cultural promotion; it's more about sharing how a real person lives, feels, and grows.

Reflecting on the competition, she said she was nervous initially, as it was her first time performing in Chinese on a stage. Her affection for Shanghai encouraged her to step forward, and she felt proud of herself for embracing the opportunity to practice Chinese, make new friends, and deepen her understanding of Chinese culture.

Through her experiences in Shanghai, Diana has recognized her own personal growth. She hopes to use performance and storytelling to share the vibrant Chinese culture with the world and also introduce the charm of the ancient Mediterranean to local audiences, expressing a more confident and authentic version of herself through the language of art.

Source: Official WeChat account of International Cooperation Office, Shanghai Theatre Academy (ID: "gh_50f8dfa98cb2")