Music drama 'The Summoning of Dunhuang' blends history and innovation

The National Theatre of China's highly anticipated musical drama "The Summoning of Dunhuang" made its debut at Beijing's National Speed Skating Oval, combining advanced technology with captivating storytelling. With a futuristic stage design and a talented cast led by Zhang Yixing, the production reimagines the story of Dunhuang, blending music, dance, and digital technology to bring this world-renowned cultural treasure to a modern audience.

The production tells the story of two intertwined love stories spanning a century. One narrative unfolds in 1935 when Chinese painter Chang Shuhong returns to China from France to protect Dunhuang heritage. The other follows Zhang Ran, an intern at the Dunhuang Digital Research Center in 2035. Both roles are played by Zhang Yixing, whose performance weaves together emotional depth and historical resonance.

Zhang Yixing described the experience, saying: "This musical drama combines the profound history of the past with innovative digital technology to create an immersive aesthetic experience. I hope the audience will fall in love with the legacy of Dunhuang and uncover more layers of its rich, interpretable culture."

The performance is enhanced by the use of large digital screens that expand the narrative's scope, showcasing both recreated scenes of Chang Shuhong's life in Paris and real-time footage of the live performance. The stage's integration of technology transforms the audience's experience, offering a truly unprecedented theatrical experience.

Audience members remarked on the innovative nature of the production as something never seen on any other stage before. "It's quite different from typical plays, musicals, or dance dramas," said one viewer.

Following its debut in Beijing, "The Summoning of Dunhuang" is set to continue its journey, with performances planned in Shanghai, further introducing this powerful cultural story to a broader audience.