Intl Theater Festival kicks off in Chile with Chinese feature

An International Theater Festival kicked off on Friday in the Chilean capital of Santiago, with stage shows from 24 countries.

This year's edition, which runs until Jan. 18, features a musical production by Chinese contemporary composer Tan Dun, known for his original musical scores for the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

This year's festival is part of the Year of Chinese Culture in Chile.

Many of the performances will take place outdoors, including the opening night "parade" produced by the Spanish company Antigua i Barbuda called "Cavall de Ferro," or "Iron Horse."

As part of the production, an iron horse operated by Spanish and Chilean actors will "gallop" through downtown Santiago, announcing the opening of the three-week event.

Presentations by companies from throughout Latin America and beyond will be held in various theaters in the capital, and then travel to 19 cities in Chile.