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Chinese performing artist Ayanga is making waves by blending French cultural flair with Chinese storytelling in the musical adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. As Sino-French relations mark 60 years, Ayanga sat down with host Louisa Lee in Beijing to discuss how art transcends borders.
'French musicals have a universal heartbeat,' said Ayanga, who also stars in a new film. 'They’re not just about language—they’re about passion, struggle, and humanity.' His comments come as the Chinese mainland sees a surge in international artistic collaborations, with Gen Z audiences embracing cross-cultural projects like never before.
Ayanga and Lee bonded over their shared love for French, joking about mispronouncing 'croissant' during rehearsals. But the conversation took a deeper turn as he reflected on Alexandre Dumas’ timeless themes: 'Justice and redemption resonate whether you’re in Paris or Shanghai.'
With youth-driven demand for global narratives rising, could this be the golden age for cultural crossover? Experts say collaborations like Ayanga’s musical—timed with diplomatic milestones—are rewriting the playbook for soft power.
But the conversation took a deeper turn as he reflected on Alexandre Dumas’ timeless themes: 'Justice and redemption resonate whether you’re in Paris or Shanghai.'
Experts say collaborations like Ayanga’s musical—timed with diplomatic milestones—are rewriting the playbook for soft power.
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