The cultural dialogue between China and France has continued for centuries, yet one may argue it currently stands on a wobbling tightrope.Yet one thing that cannot be argued is the series of successful culture-exchange programs which have been held in both countries over thepast few years.
   In the spirit of such dialogue, and hot on the heels of the recent "2nd Francophony Festival in Guangzhou", the Sino-French"Croisement/Jiaoliu 2008" Festival immediately took to the stage in early April, inviting audiences to a three-month cultural carnivalrunning across 18 Chinese cities. And best of all, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hong Kong and Macau have all been included.
   Coming now into its third year, the "Croisement/Jiaoliu" campaign - itself an extension of the "China-France Cultural Year" – sticksto a mutual understanding theme (hence the title).
   "We wish to make this festival an effective opportunity for the intercommunication between artists and cultural institutes from bothcountries. It will also help Chinese and French people know more about each other's cultures," said Cultural-Consul, Donatienne Hissard,at the French Embassy recently.
   It's said that this year's program involves more cities, more Sino-French cooperation, and more passion than ever. Over 100 events,covering diverse fields from the visual arts, music, amazing stage performances and movies, will be showcased across China. In return,Chinese creatives will be invited to visit France for seminars, workshops and exhibitions.
   Last month, in Guangzhou, the opening show was introduced by the dynamic hip-hop dance, "Recital". Simultaneously, the exhibition,"Guangzhou from the Eyes of the Photographers", featuring three French artists, opened at the Guangdong Museum of Art. An experimentalart performance, "Kalligraffiti", which mixed China's calligraphy with Western-style graffiti and urban beats, was also held at Guangzhou's newly-founded Ping Pong Space (and later on at the Cultural Center's Praca in Macau).
   If you missed these events, fret not, for there will be more cool happenings soon taking place in May.  At the art scene, a joint exhibition called "Childhood's Visions" will be staged at the Alliance Francaise in Guangzhou, showcasing images of children by two photographers, Georges Azenstarck from France and Zhu Xianmin from China. In June, the all-month "Design Référence Paris" exhibit at theGuangdong Museum of Art will present more than 60 pieces created by innovative Parisian designers.
   On stage, superb European vocalists will sing their repertoires from the Int'l Lyrical Art Festival in Aix-en-Provence in Hong Kong,Dongguan and Shenzhen. And, in Guangzhou, the Asphodèles Theater Company from Lyon will put on an improvisational play, "Arlequin Explores China" — a fusion of Western comedy and Cantonese opera.
   For jazz fans, there will be two must-see gigs: the collaboration between France's Géraldine Laurent trio and Chinese suona (atraditional Chinese instrument) player, Guo Yazhi, in both Dongguan and Shenzhen; and French trumpet player, Erik Truffaz, and Chinese pianist, Xia Jia, who will be playing their rap and electro grooves in Guangzhou.
   With so many French flavors on offer, you can savor this sumptuous cultural feast as if it were delicious French cuisine. Viva ladifference!
  
The "Croisement/Jiaoliu 2008" Festival runs until June 15. For more information, visit www.festival-croisements.cn  

May 5/May 8/May 9
European Opera Hits and Quartet Concert

Cultural Center, Hong Kong/Yulan Grand Theater, Dongguan/Shenzhen Poly Theater, Shenzhen

May 5-31
Childhood's Visions: Photography by Georges Azenstarck and Zhu Xianmin
Alliance Francaise, Guangzhou

May 16-18

Comedy: "Arlequin Explores China" by the Asphodèles Theater Company

Nanfang Theater, Guangzhou

May 24/May 25
Jazz concert by the Géraldine Laurent trio and Guo Yazhi
Yulan Grand Theater, Dongguan/Shenzhen Poly Theater, Shenzhen

May 31

Jazz concert by Erik Tuffaz & Xia Jia

Concert Hall of Xinghai Conservatory of Music (University Town), Guangzhou

June 18 - July 18

Exhibit: Design Référence Paris

Guangdong Museum of Art, Guangzhou