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.
