The Latest with the Oldest: Peking Opera reimagined through VR technology

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Peking Opera is regarded as quintessentially Chinese. But, just as with other operatic traditions like Kunqu or Cantonese opera, it's getting harder to attract the interest of young people. And so the Beijing municipal government has come up with a way, by joining up with virtual reality company Noitom. Qi Jie tells us more.

For Beijing residents, a Peking Opera used to be one of the musts of the Chinese Lunar New Year -- in the old times. Today, people don't have to go to the theater to appreciate the combination of virtual and reality - a special technique of Peking Opera expression. Instead, they enjoy it through virtual reality.

This young high-tech enthusiast said most young people can't afford to go to the theater to see a Peking opera performance. That opens a window for capturing their attention virtually.

LIANG YOUCUN VISITOR "To be frank, I came here for the high-tech experience. But it did surprise me to see Peking Opera this way. I'm really impressed by this traditional art form. I think I'll do some homework about the history of Peking Opera and learn more about the particular performance. I believe, step by step, VR is able to shorten the distance between young people and Peking Opera."

Hu Xiaomao and Li Jichun are famous nationwide as Peking opera actors. The old-fashioned artists spoke about their first experience working with high-tech professionals from home and abroad.

HU XIAOMAO & LI JICHUN PEKING OPERA ARTISTS HU: "For the face alone, there are 42 scanning points to capture facial expressions. Then, according to these expressions, the computer selects the swatches automatically and synthesizes them into digital images."

LI: "It's such a new experience for both of us. Usually we perform stylized forms of Peking Opera on stage. This time we did it in the studio, and then those stylized forms are presented through the technology. It's pretty cool. I hope it won't let the audience down."

Noitom, the company behind this project, has been working with Peking opera artists since 2014. It eventually digitized all the elements, including theater, stage, costume, stage property and martial arts. All the efforts are made to spark young people's interest.

QI JIE BEIJING "From the era of 'Press the button' to 'Touch the screen', today's high tech really makes our lives more instant. And by using the latest technology to showcase one of the oldest forms of operatic arts, I can't help but wonder: Will it be the real deal?"

Technology and cultural traditions aren't always in conflict, but can benefit from each other. As the biggest Chinese opera form, Peking opera is extolled as a true 'Oriental Opera', with a history of 160 years. To preserve it in the long run, technology will definitely be part of solution. QIJIE, CGTN, BEIJING.