We return to Beijing in a few days for our first workshop with Beijing Dramatists Assocation. We’ll be working with 14 young Chinese writers and actors over the course of a week, giving an insight into different techniques using the 100 Words model. The workshop will take place at Jiuge (9) Theatre in Chaoyang District and will culminate in an informal showcase on Saturday 12 July. At the same time, the National Youth Theatre will be making its first visit to China to present an abridged version of the Merchant of Venice at the China International Youth Arts Festival. This is a direct result of Artistic Director Paul Roseby’s visit to Beijing last June, which was faciliated by 100 Words. The links between the two organisations have continued, and an evening has been scheduled during the week when the young British and Chinese artists will be brought together to present work to each other and share practice. We’re looking forward to seeing Beijing again in the run up to the Olympics. With the opening of the Games a little over a month away, it will be fascinating to see the city making its final preparations.

We’ve spent an enjoyable time over the past week looking at the CHINA NOW 100 Words Schools Competition entries. These have been posted on a secure website as 100 word films which have been written by students in British schools learning Mandarin, and students in their partner school in China learning English. Schools were encouraged to comment on each other’s work and develop their ideas collaboratively. A general theme of ’similarity and difference’ was set, and it was fascinating to see how this was interepreted by the schools. There were some very original ideas, and a great deal of effort had obviously gone into thinking about how to stage and film their plays. Two pairs of schools will be selected as the winners, with an announcement due very soon. The CHINA NOW 100 Words Schools Competition has been supported by HSBC and is being delivered in partnership with the British Council.