Hello and welcome to this week’s  In the Spotlight on China Radio International. I’m your host Xiao Hua. Small theater have received a boost in recent years. Xixiaotang, or X-square Drama Studio has produced many market friendly plays, in which audience enjoy the actors’ theatrical talent in an intimate settings. In today’s program, we’ll go behind the stage and learn the group’s story of success.

Then let’s take a walk along the Chang’An Avenue and pop into Sanwei Bookstore, China's first privately funded and operated bookstore and learn the uniqueness of the place. And lastly, we’ll enjoy some wonderful compositions combining the violin with elements of Chinese folk music. Please stay tuned.

 Xixiao Tang Drama Studio

In recent years, small theater plays have seen increasing popularity and have begun to take root. The theatrical group X-square Drama Studio produced many small theater dramas and most of them turned out to be big box office hits.

 Sanwei Bookstore

Sanwei bookstore gets its name from the favorite childhood subject of Lu Xun, the founder of Chinese modern literature. However, it is more than just a store or business venture; it is also a public space where minds meet – a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas. Our reporter Wu Jia takes you for a walk around the place.

 Melody

The violin, the most commonly used member of the modern string family, plays an important role in the symphony orchestra. Even though the violin was not originally from China, it has spread in popularity among the Chinese people. Chinese composers have created many wonderful compositions combining the violin with elements of Chinese folk music.

That brings us to the end of this weeks  In the Spotlight. Comments and suggestions are always welcomed. You can log onto our website at www.crienglish.com to find out more about the program. Our email address is spotlight@crifm.com or drop us a snail mail at English Service China Radio International, Beijing, China. Post code 100040. I’m your host Xiao Hua. We’ll see you at the same time next week.