The notice of Multicultural Ambassadors recruitment has attracted lots of attention since it was released. Last month, the first two "ambassadors", Ren Yanqi and Kate respectively gave lectures about Avignon Festival and English Film in Hangzhou Public Library.
Ren Yanqi lived in France for several years during which she spent lots of time in theaters. The record she has made is watching 90 plays of all kinds during one year.
The experience in Avignon impressed her very much. The annual arts festival held in the French city of Avignon every summer in July, was founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar. Ren Yanqi introduced the official "IN" Festival which is performed in the "Cour d'Honneur"–the honours courtyard–of the Palais des Papes and the "OFF" Festival which is also organized by a non-profit organization composed mostly by theatre companies and performed in theater schools, streets and all places suitable for performing. She also shared several poster designs of Avignon Festival over the past years and how the designs helped better express Avignon themes.
Ren Yanqi ended the salon by quoting "Avignon is the capital city of France in July" and suggested the audience to visit Avignon someday.
While Kate selected five excellent films to share, including Pride and Prejudice, Green Book, Aladdin, The Pursuit of Happyness and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which covered various topics, such as love, friendship, music, dream and imagination.
With background introduction and details discussion of each film, Kate hoped everyone could enjoy the fun of watching movies while expanding their knowledge of western countries as well as practicing oral English.
While watching the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, Kate asked everyone to share their dreams. A young man hoped to have his own house in Hangzhou, while a girl hoped to travel around the world. Someone even hoped to join other activities hosted by Kate.
