Green Energy @ ShiFen Theater Festival 2010

The ShiFen Theater festival is a showcase of varied performances, delivered in 10-minute short and sweet measures each.

"The 'Green Energy' theme allows for a wide range of artistic influence and expression while focusing on topical issues," says US-native and long-term Beijing resident, Elyse Ribbons, creator and executive producer of the ShiFen Theater Festival.

"Creating, preparing and performing a 10-minute piece takes very little advance time to do well, which means that it frees up a lot of artists who normally don't have the time to devote," Elyse explains.

Environmental hypoxia (in rivers and coastal ocean areas), the overuse and abuse of agricultural land, eco-terrorism, greenwashing, waste, over consumption, and people taking individual action and making personal choices to combat environmental problems are just some of the topics the festival will cover this Saturday.

Community spirit is the main fuel for the "Green Energy" fire. Entrance to the festival is free of charge thanks to the support of all those involved.

"The performers are all amazing in that they're willing to give their time and their energy to create art for the community at large," remarks Elyse, "And most importantly, I've had some great folks helping out with organization of the festival (Jonathan Dworkin, David Jacobi, Anna Chovanec), all volunteers."

In addition, Elyse and her team have also put together a raffle prize drawing for the event, sponsored by several local businesses to help offset production costs.

This year's festival has given Elyse an opportunity to work closely with "a lot of fantastic people". She also sees it as a way to become more deeply connected to "the greater Beijing community -- one that embraces both the 'laowai' and the 'laonei'".

"One of my goals as an artist is to bridge culture gaps, and to get audiences involved and thinking about new ideas," she says, "The ShiFen Festival is a great way to do this. And of course, it's also incredibly fun."

Elyse's top environmental concern is the human impact everyone has on their surroundings: "We take the planet for granted, and on an individual basis, we all waste, a lot."

"I'm hoping that by providing a space for the arts, we will also provide a platform for discussion," she explains.

Additionally, Elyse hopes that this year's festival will not only highlight problems, but inspire people individually to "do more to waste less".

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Cheeky Monkey Theater presents
The ShiFen Theater Festival 2010:
Green Energy

Saturday February 6th, 7:30 PM
Penghao Theater
35 Dongmianhua Hutong off Nanlouguxiang,Gulou Area
东棉花胡同35号
中央戏剧学院东侧
Tel 6400-6452, 6400-6472
Free Entrance
*Early arrival to confirm seats is recommended*