As the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union approaches in 2025, two renowned European musical theater stars brought a harmonious celebration to Beijing. Maya Hakvoort from the Netherlands and Mate Kamaras from Hungary, famed for their iconic roles as Elisabeth and Death in the classic musical Elisabeth, performed highlights from the show at Beijing’s Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on April 22.
Sharing the stage in China, Hakvoort expressed her excitement about the growing connections between China and Europe. “China was always very far away. We only had the restaurants in Europe,” she joked. “I’m glad to see people in China and Europe are now able to visit each other’s countries. This 50 years’ anniversary is bravo! I congratulate! Because of that, I can be able to work here, to know more about you.”
For Kamaras, who was visiting China for the first time, the experience was eye-opening. “I was wondering how life is in China. Then I got to know WeChat—paying with WeChat, ordering taxis—everything in one app,” he shared. “In Europe, we use many apps. We have so many things to catch up with China on.”
He was particularly impressed by China’s advancements in technology. “I was blown away by the quality of Chinese electric cars. In an ad, a drone flew out of the top of the car. I was like, ‘Wow! The future is here!'” Kamaras exclaimed.
Hakvoort recently received the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award on February 27 for her role as Lady Macbeth in the Chinese-produced musical Lady M. She was the only foreign artist to receive one of China’s most prestigious stage performance awards this year. “I was so happy to be nominated,” she recalled. “I was like, ‘Wow, Maya, you did it! You got one of the biggest awards in China.'”
Both artists emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding. “I do like that the audience in China loves to see Western musicals brought here. It’s all very open,” Hakvoort said. “I feel it’s starting to blend together—our mentality and art with yours. That is very nice to see.”
Kamaras added, “When different cultures meet and get to know each other, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get closer. I really love this idea of globalization and cultural exchange. Hopefully, one day it will lead to a very peaceful and very friendly world.”
