A scene from the show Memory5D+. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The spectacular large-scale theatrical production Memory5D+, combining high-end technology with a presentation showcasing the best of traditional Chinese culture and performing arts, debuted in Beijing on Thursday, its second run after premiering in the US in May 2017.
The show has invited around 100 top artists in China to appear onstage, including the only large Chinese reed pipe player Li Hong, the Mongolian long song duo Bodi, and guzheng (a Chinese plucked zither) virtuoso Ji Baojie.
Memory5D+ includes live performances of the guzheng, the plucked seven-string Chinese guqin and the ancient Chinese harp known as konghou, as well as acrobatics, Khoomei, shadow plays, Mongolian folk songs and even chants from The Book of Songs. Western elements such as orchestral music are also combined into the background music.
A collaboration with Hollywood, the show’s chief direction comes from Chinese impresario Ulan Xuerong, with visual effects co-created by American expert John Hughes and French musician Eric Lattanzio.
"I felt a sense of crisis that intangible cultural heritage is fading and fewer people are engaged in these areas, so I wanted to do something meaningful, to help continue traditional Chinese culture and art," Ulan said. "But only saving them is useless. It's important to continue and develop them."
A scene from the show Memory5D+. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Artists perform on the show Memory5D+. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy on the balance of yin and yang, Ulan uses artists to personify these elements and narrates a story about cosmic energy, life and love. Memory5D+ follows the emotional entanglement between the black and white spirits that represent yin and yang and the flower goddess.
The show uses modern visual technology to present the theme of "love, harmony, life, balance and happiness" through Chinese music, dance, art and history, creating a memorable experience that appeals to all the senses. Audiences may even breathe in a pleasant fragrance when flowers appear on the screen, or detect smoke during a battle scene.
After receiving much acclaim for its performances in California, Memory5D+ is now on the second stop of its world tour in Beijing, where it is currently playing at the Beijing Exhibition Theater. According to Ulan, the show will travel to other Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi'an, and later open in Russia, France and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative in the future.
"Intangible cultural heritage is precious, humanized and the essence of Chinese culture," Ulan said. "I hope more young people and children will fall in love with the excellence of traditional Chinese culture and intangible cultural heritage arts."
The show is a visual feast for audiences. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
An artist performs on the show Memory5D+. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Artists perform on the show Memory5D+. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A scene from the show Memory5D+. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
