BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will kick off its International Theater Festival 2019 on Thursday.

A total of 12 plays from five countries, including China, Russia and Germany, will be staged over 42 performances in Beijing during the festival.

The festival has three major parts: "National Soul," "True Love" and "The Link." Some children's plays will also be performed during the festival.

The drama "King Lear" directed by Tadashi Suzuki will be staged at the opening of the festival which will last until Sept. 22.

Established in 2015, the international festival aims to promote the development of Chinese theatrical works and build a platform of performances and exchanges for international plays, according to NCPA's official website.