A groundbreaking stage production, “The Summoning of Dunhuang,” is breathing new life into the legacy of this ancient Silk Road city through an ambitious blend of music, dance, theater, and multimedia art. Performed at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, the show transforms the arena into a vibrant space for storytelling.
“The Summoning of Dunhuang” marks the National Theatre of China’s first venture into musical play. “It merges music, dance, and acting to narrate the story of Dunhuang—a world-renowned cultural treasure—from a distinctly Chinese perspective,” said playwright and director Tian Qinxin.
Dunhuang, situated in Northwest China, is home to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extensive collection of Buddhist murals and artifacts.
The production weaves together two narratives set in different eras, moving between 1935 Paris and a futuristic Dunhuang in 2035. These intertwined stories follow two individuals connected to the historic Silk Road site. Actor and singer Zhang Yixing plays dual roles: Chang Shuhong, the celebrated “guardian of Dunhuang,” who left his life as a painter in France to return to China in the 1930s for the preservation of the Mogao Caves, and a 2035 intern at the Dunhuang Digital Research Center.
“The challenge lies in addressing the varied expectations of audiences—whether they come for concerts, modern drama, dance, or opera,” Zhang explained.
Technological innovation plays a key role in the production’s visual storytelling. Expansive digital screens, live-action footage, and animation create seamless transitions between time periods, delivering a dynamic and immersive experience.
“The traditional theater space is transformed into a vast arena, redefining how audiences engage with the performance and how space is perceived,” noted multimedia designer Hu Tianji.
By blending cutting-edge technology with classical art forms, “The Summoning of Dunhuang” offers a contemporary perspective on one of China’s most iconic heritage sites, reinforcing its lasting cultural significance.