A ceremony to confer the Order of Arts and Letters was held on Saturday at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing. Representing the French Ministry of Culture, French Ambassador to China Bertrand Lortholary presented the honor to Zhang Ligang, chairman of Joyway Culture, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to China-French cultural dialogue and the promotion of French culture in China.
In his speech, the ambassador emphasized Zhang's pivotal role in establishing French-language musicals in China and significantly expanding their influence, noting that China has become one of the world's largest international markets for French musicals. He praised Zhang's dedication to presenting these major works in French, allowing the unique charm of Francophone arts to flourish among Chinese audiences.
The Order of Arts and Letters, established in 1957, honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through work in the artistic or literary domains or by contributing to the dissemination of art and literature in France and globally.
Founded in 2008 by Zhang, Joyway Culture focuses on the production and distribution of leading domestic and international stage performances. As founder and chairman, Zhang has managed hundreds of performance projects, amassing extensive experience in international cultural exchange and earning broad respect and influence in the performing arts sector both at home and abroad.
Zhang's connection with French theater began 25 years ago with his first professional project, Romeo and Juliet, choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot. The depth of French theatrical tradition and its spirit of bold innovation left a lasting impression on him. In 2004, a brief visit by the French musical Notre-Dame de Paris to China proved transformative.
In 2010, Joyway Culture formally introduced Notre-Dame de Paris to China, sparking an unprecedented response and marking the beginning of a decade-long partnership with French musical theater. Over the years, Zhang has forged close ties with leading French artists and companies. Today, major French-language productions brought by Zhang, including Moliere and Romeo et Juliette, are touring extensively across China.
