Dunhuang destined to dazzle onstage

When theater director and president of the National Theatre of China, Tian Qinxin, heard the story of artist Chang Shuhong (1904-94), she was inspired and intrigued.

One of the most eminent Chinese artists to study in France, Chang discovered a book containing photographs of hundreds of Dunhuang paintings and manuscripts in an old bookstore in Paris in 1935.

It was written by Paul Pelliot, the French Sinologist, who is credited with rediscovering the Mogao Caves — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — in Gansu province. Before he read the book, Chang didn't know about the caves, which contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in China, and were created over a span of 1,000 years.

The discovery prompted Chang to return to China to study the grottoes. He arrived in Dunhuang, where the Mogao Grottoes are located, in early 1943. He endured poor living conditions, staying in a dilapidated temple, his bed, desk and chairs made of clay. In 1944, he founded the Dunhuang Art Institute, which is now known as Dunhuang Academy.

Her admiration for Chang's courage and determination prompted Tian to write a script, which has been turned into the musical drama, The Summoning of Dunhuang.

On Oct 30, Tian announced that the production will premiere in Beijing this December in tribute to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the 80th anniversary of the Dunhuang Academy. The production honors the spirit of Dunhuang culture, and tells a remarkable story that intertwines the lives of generations of youth at different times and places, from France to China.

The narrative spans a century and begins with Chang, who came to be known as the "guardian of Dunhuang", and his wife Chen Zhixiu. As the story unfolds, legendary and moving tales of Dunhuang's past are revealed, so that Chang's story is connected to young people today.

Tian says that unlike traditional productions, the musical drama is a deep integration of theatrical art and digital technology, and explores the creative presentation of traditional Chinese culture.

As playwright and director, Tian says she found the production both challenging and innovative, as it blends art forms such as drama, music and dance, and makes use of film, 2D, 3D and artificial intelligence technology to break through the barriers between drama, music and live performance. The use of the latest technology allows the audience to fully appreciate the richness and depth of Dunhuang art through the collision of tradition and modernity, as well as the interaction between content and technology.

"How to achieve the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture through art has been a long-term topic of exploration for theater, one we faced during the creative process," says Tian, adding that in May this year, the team traveled to Dunhuang for field research and discussions with the Dunhuang Academy.

"Walking in Dunhuang made us feel as if we had crossed a thousand years, and we experienced the power of Chinese cultural heritage. Our goal is to rejuvenate Dunhuang art, to allow more young people to witness the agelong transmission and vitality of Chinese civilization," she says.

"After more than six months of in-depth field research, script-writing and rehearsals, the production is about to meet the audience. We are striving to use the power of technology and the beauty of art to give new meaning to Dunhuang culture, in the hope of leading the audience through the ancient and modern, the domestic and the foreign, to experience the power and deep call of Chinese culture displayed in the brilliance of Dunhuang, and the warmth of personal emotions," adds Cheng Peng, vice-president of the National Theatre of China.

This new production brings together a lineup of young actors and actresses, led by singer-actor Zhang Yixing, who performed the musical drama's theme song during the media event on Oct 30 along with other cast members.

"I have been interested in Dunhuang for years, and being part of this process is a precious growth opportunity for us young actors, and we hope to contribute with our collective efforts," says Zhang, who will play the role of Chang Shuhong in 1935, as well as that of a young staff member at the Dunhuang Academy in 2035. The 33-year-old has a large fan base as a singer, and has over 50 million followers on social media platform Sina Weibo.

With songwriter Peter Kam as music director, the production includes 20 musical pieces, featuring Chinese styles and French influences, on a variety of themes ranging from heartbreak to grand expressions of history and tradition.

"I have been involved in lots of musicals and I enjoyed working with these young artists. Though it tells the story of Dunhuang, which is ancient, the music is contemporary, and appeals to a young audience," says Kam.