Trained by prominent masters of Peking Opera, including Lianlian Jing, Suosen Lu, and Michelle Jiang, Aurore founded the first Peking Opera school open to the general public in Montreal in 2018, where classes are taught in three languages. That same year, she took to Quebec stages as a Pingshu storyteller, embarking on an artistic journey that has continued to unfold ever since. Since then, she has sought an authentic way to foster a dialogue between Eastern and Western art, and between tradition and modernity.
This journey took a decisive turn when Aurore met Robert Reid, a renowned director and theatre professor at Concordia University. In 2007, during a visit to the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts (NACTA), Robert attended a performance of the Beijing Opera, The Monkey King. Fascinated by this ancient art form, he dreamed of introducing it to Quebec audiences. In 2008, he invited professors from NACTA and launched courses at his university, becoming the first person to introduce this cultural heritage to a Quebec university.
In 2021, their paths crossed. Together, Aurore and Robert launched an innovative project, fusing traditional Chinese arts with Western theatre. Their shared passion for creating performances draws inspiration from diverse international artistic practices, harmoniously blending tradition and modernity. Their dedication and vision attract talented artists from around the world, united by a shared vision.
Our mission is simple: to promote and foster an appreciation for Chinese art, both in Quebec and internationally. We believe that artistic richness arises from cultural exchange. That is why we bring together artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, convinced that dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge enable us to create meaningful works.
We honor and respect traditions, whether Eastern or Western. By drawing on these legacies, we bring them into dialogue with contemporary creativity to reinvent the ways we tell stories, transmit, and share art. Our creations offer a modern perspective on the treasures of the past and open up new horizons for the future.
Through art and culture, we help build a more inclusive and open society, where different cultures come together, enrich one another, and contribute to creating a shared future.
Our project was born from the unique encounter between two enthusiasts, whose approach is centred on traditional Chinese arts and intercultural dialogue.
Aurore Liang, originally from Beijing, revealed her artistic talents at a very early age. From the age of 6, she distinguished herself on stage by winning numerous awards for her American storytelling, bringing a Western perspective to a Chinese audience. At the age of 23, her insatiable curiosity led her to explore the world, particularly France and Quebec. She noticed a growing interest in China, even though the country often remains misunderstood, hidden behind linguistic and cultural barriers. In 2018, eager to make Chinese culture and arts more accessible, Aurore founded the first Beijing opera school open to the public. This art form, considered the elite of Chinese artistic heritage, is taught there in French, English, and Chinese. Her ambition is clear: to share the beauty and richness of this ancestral art with an international audience.
This adventure took a decisive turn when Aurore met Robert Reid, a renowned director and theatre professor at Concordia University. In 2007, during a visit to the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts (NACTA), Robert attended a performance of the Beijing Opera, The Monkey King. Fascinated by this ancient art form, he dreamed of introducing it to Quebec audiences. In 2008, he became the first to bring this cultural heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to a Quebec university, while adopting a contemporary approach to breathe new life into these ancient traditions.
In 2021, their paths crossed. Aurore and Robert launch an innovative project, merging traditional Chinese arts and Western theatre. Their shared passion for creating performances is inspired by various international artistic practices, harmoniously reconciling tradition and modernity. Their rigour and vision attract talented artists from diverse cultures, uniting them around a shared international project.
These collaborations, rich in creativity and innovation, give rise to vibrant performances that not only reflect the diversity and energy of Quebec's new generation but also inspire a more inclusive society, celebrating the richness of its multiple cultural influences.