The 18th China Theater Festival is set to be held in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, from Nov 8 to 27. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

The 18th China Theater Festival is set to unfold in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, from Nov 8 to 27, local media outlets reported.

This year's edition features 34 select performances from 23 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, along with one special invited performance. Additionally, 12 shows will take place in Wenzhou, a coastal city in Zhejiang.

Founded in 1988, the festival is held twice a year and serves as a significant platform for the national theatrical community to showcase excellent creative achievements. It stands as China's highest-standard and most prestigious art gathering in the field of theatrical arts.

The festival boasts a lineup of performers ranging from leading figures in various art forms and regional theater traditions to accomplished artists who have received awards such as the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theater and the Wenhua Award. Moreover, a group of talented young actors has also been invited.

The program spans 15 theatrical genres, including Peking Opera and Yueju Opera. It also includes plays, musicals, children's theater, and ballet.

A highlight of the event is the reinterpretation and adaptation of classic works, such as the play Thunderstorm, the opera Luzhen Town, the ballet The Legend of the White Snake, and the musical Family.

The festival will host a total of 48 performances in Hangzhou, offering roughly 36,000 tickets, with prices ranging from 50 yuan ($6.85) to 480 yuan. Over 20,000 tickets priced at or under 100 yuan will be available.

The organizer will also introduce an online discount of at least 20 percent. Theater lovers can purchase tickets online through platforms such as Damai, Maoyan, Chengshi, Kaiba, or Hangzhou Grand Theater's official WeChat account, or buy tickets in person at the appropriate theater box offices.

Free viewing opportunities will be offered to representatives from the Asian Games and Asian Para Games as well as volunteers and staff working behind the scenes.