As an important part of the first China Cultural Festival being held in Israel this year, a popular drama by the renowned National Theater of China was presented Saturday night in Tel Aviv, offering the local audience a rare opportunity to learn about the daily life of Chinese people.

The intriguing story of "The Public Toilet" highlights major social changes over a span of three decades of the last century. A colorful cast of characters meet around a Beijing public toilet, which evolves from a primitive outhouse into five-star luxury, symbolizing the economic and social reforms China is undergoing.

"We try to reflect social issues from a realistic perspective," said Yan Fengqi, deputy director of the National Theater of China, adding that multidimensional drama techniques were adopted to address the diversified and fast-changing phenomenon.

Among the audience impressed by the unique talent of the Chinese troupe, former Israeli ambassador to China Itzhak Shelef told Xinhua that although the setting was a toilet, it was a highly civilized drama. "By telling us what has happened in the past and is happening today, the drama shows the true life of Chinese people," said Shelef.

Israeli Minister of Science, Culture and Sports Raleb Majadele and Chinese Ambassador to Israel Zhao Jun addressed the audience before the start of the play, wishing it success.

The China Cultural Festival, jointly organized by the Chinese and Israeli governments, is dedicated to marking the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and will last until November 2007.

More than 200 performers from China have and will come to the Jewish nation to participate in a series of cultural events throughout Israel, including Chinese acrobatics, folk dances, folkmusic and songs, arts and crafts, photo exhibitions, play and movies.
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(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2007)