Beijing University hopes to be in the vanguard of China's drama education by setting up its Theater Research Institute and holding a drama forum Sunday.
   
Vice-president Wu Zhipan said the university has advantages and resources in researching drama, including 5.3 million books, the most among China's universities, a good humanities tradition and favorable Internet access.
   
"Beijing University should be in the front line in the China's drama education," he said.
   
Lin Zhaohua, head of the institute, said the establishment of the institute would "cultivate outstanding drama personnel and pursue original dramas with Chinese characteristics."
   
Cheng Zhaoxiang, an expert on Shakespeare at Beijing University, said the previous drama research in China excessively stressed the literature of the texts, neglecting factors including the stage and the actors, which will be the focus of the institute's education.
   
The institute will begin recruit students in mid-May.
   
Specialized institutes such as The Central Academy of Drama, Academy of China Traditional Opera, Communication University of China and Shanghai Theater Academy are the main force in the training and cultivating of China's drama personnel.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2005)