Shanghai Library hosted a grand gala to promote British and Chinese literature on April 23, the World Book Day.

Titled “Night at Shanghai Library – Treasures of Chinese and British Literature,” the gala featured performances using different ways,such as music, recitation and interview, to interpret the works from famous British writers including Percy Bysshe Shelley, T.S. Eliot, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickensand D.H. Lawrence. The stage featured installations that simulated Juliet’s balcony and Dickens’ study, a grand piano and a water curtain.It also shared with the audience the stories between British literature and Shanghai, bringing a unique experience for readers.

Co-organized by Shanghai Library and Colormen Culture Salon, and guided by Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the gala invited famous composers, dubbers, Kunqu Opera artitsts, sopranos and violinists to present wonderful performances to the audience. Felix, a foreign student from Shanghai International Studies University, recited famous poems written by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Nick Marchand, Counsellor of Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassyin China, spoke highly of the gala.

Through the gala, readers have had a deeper understanding of literature, regardless of their hobbies and social status. At that moment, what can be read is not only books, but also buildings, authors and stories of the readers themselves.