When Tang Xianzu Met Shakespeare: Celebrating Cross‑Cultural Creativity at Leeds

The Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds recently hosted When Tang Xianzu Meets Shakespeare, a vibrant exhibition that ran from Monday 16 February to Friday 27 February 2026 in the Maurice Keyworth Foyer at Leeds University Business School. The exhibition followed the successful international theatre collaboration Dreaming Under the Bough, created by stage@leeds in partnership with the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing.

Showcasing a Unique Theatrical Collaboration

The exhibition offered visitors a behind‑the‑scenes look at Dreaming Under the Bough, a multinational and multilingual production that intertwined the works of two iconic contemporaries: Tang Xianzu—often celebrated as the “Shakespeare of the East”—and William Shakespeare. The display highlighted how the production blended Eastern and Western performance traditions while exploring shared themes of love, dreams, identity, and human experience.

A particularly engaging section documented the experiences of University of Leeds students who travelled to China to rehearse and perform. Their reflections, photographs, and video clips revealed the challenges and rewards of creating theatre across languages and cultures, including performing in both English and Mandarin.

Exploring Chinese New Year Traditions

A dedicated part of the exhibition focused on the history and cultural significance of Chinese New Year. Visitors learned about beloved traditions such as hong bao (red envelopes), festive lanterns, and the family reunion meal, and were encouraged to try simple Mandarin greetings associated with the festival.

As 2026 marked the Year of the Horse, the exhibition also explored the symbolism of this energetic, confident, and free‑spirited zodiac sign. Displays examined how these traits appear in Chinese culture, literature, and New Year celebrations.

Who is Tang Xianzu?

Tang Xianzu (1550–1616) was a Ming dynasty playwright celebrated as the “Shakespeare of the East.” His most famous work, The Peony Pavilion, along with his other plays, explored themes of love, dreams, and individuality, challenging strict social norms of his time. Tang’s influence shaped Chinese opera and literature, making him a key figure in world drama for his poetic style and humanistic ideas.