The curtain rose Tuesday on a celebration of Ming Dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu, on the 4th centenary of his death.

Tang was born in Fuzhou in east China's Jiangxi Province in 1550 where commemorative events including the opening of a memorial and research center will be staged throughout the year. An international academic forum will celebrate Tang's life and work with a drama festival in the city highlighting the artist's influence on culture, education and society.

Zhang Hongxing, mayor of Fuzhou, told the press that activities would not be confined to Fuzhou. "The Peony Pavilion", considered Tang's masterpiece, will be staged in Stratford-Upon-Avon, hometown of William Shakespeare, in April. "The Peony Pavilion" tells of a romance between Du Liniang, a daughter of a local official and scholar Liu Mengmei, embodying young people's pursuit of love and freedom.

This year also marks the 400th anniversary of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, and Fuzhou will be twinned with Alcala de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes. A seminar will also be held in Palo Alto in the United States.

Nick Marchand, arts and creative industries director of the cultural and education section of the British Embassy in Beijing, described 2016 as a "wonderful" year, presenting a great opportunity to put the works of Tang before the global audience. Endi

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