"The Summoning of Dunhuang," a theatrical production starring pop icon and actor Lay Zhang, opened in Beijing on Dec. 7. The touring production integrates advanced technology with ancient art, presenting a tale of young love, professional pursuits and cultural preservation.

Lay Zhang, also known as Zhang Yixing, leads the cast in a performance on stage for the opening of "The Summoning of Dunhuang" in Beijing, Dec. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the National Theatre of China]

To mark the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 80th anniversary of the Dunhuang Academy, Tian Qinxin, theater director and president of the National Theatre of China, has crafted a story inspired by Chang Shuhong (1904-94), an artist known as the "guardian of Dunhuang."

"The Summoning of Dunhuang" tells the story of Zhang Ran, an intern at the Dunhuang Digital Research Center in 2035 who is pursuing both a career and love. However, after his lover leaves him for Paris to further study Dunhuang culture, a Vajra statue comes to life and guides Zhang on a mission to protect and promote Dunhuang arts. Zhang is transported back in time to 1935, where he witnesses Chang Shuhong return to China from France and sacrifice his personal love life for noble causes — to protect and maintain the legacy of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, located in Gansu province, as well as to establish the Dunhuang Art Institute, now the Dunhuang Academy. 

The Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1987. 

A dazzling scene is presented on stage at the opening of "The Summoning of Dunhuang" in Beijing, Dec. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the National Theatre of China]

"The Summoning of Dunhuang" blends social and cultural elements such as geography, politics and intangible heritage using artistic forms like drama, dance, aerial stunts and marionette puppetry. Incorporating cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D multimedia imagery and animation, the production immerses audiences in a captivating "theatrical metaverse."

In his debut musical theater production, Lay Zhang not only performs 16 original songs and dance numbers but also delivers extensive dialogue and takes on two major roles: Zhang Ran and Chang Shuhong. After months of seeking advice, relentless practicing and rehearsals, Lay Zhang now excels on stage, displaying his versatile talents and skills, and fully embodying these two characters.

"I feel very honored to be part of such a production," said Lay Zhang. "Dunhuang culture is profound and extensive, and I hope that through my performance more people will come to know and fall in love with this cultural treasure."

Lay Zhang is no stranger to promoting Dunhuang culture. Drawing inspiration from his Chinese roots for his pop music, he consistently showcases Chinese culture globally. His 2021 single and video "Flying Apsaras" captivated audiences with stunning Dunhuang imagery and lyrics rich with Chinese cultural elements. 

A flying Vajra is shown on stage at the opening of "The Summoning of Dunhuang" in Beijing, Dec. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the National Theatre of China]

Besides Lay Zhang, the theater production features plenty of heavyweights from the entertainment industry, including renowned composer and songwriter Peter Kam and lyricist Chen Tao. Even the veteran actor Sun Honglei contributed to this project as a performance coach. 

On stage, the production demonstrates youth power with a cast that includes many young talents such as Hu Xiaolong, Gan Ruiqi and Peng Ke. Director and writer Tian mentioned that a younger cast aligns with the tradition of the National Theatre of China to actively nurture young talent, fully unleashing vibrant youthful creativity.

Seeking deeper inspiration and authenticity, Tian's team traveled to Dunhuang in May of this year for field research and to engage in discussions with the Dunhuang Academy. "I require the team to always uphold high-dimensional thinking. We must not understand Dunhuang culture with worldly views or treat this creation lightly; we must treasure the art of Dunhuang and our connection to it," said Tian Qinxin. 

"The Summoning of Dunhuang" is the first sports arena-scale musical production for the National Theatre of China. It performed at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing from Dec. 7 to 9 before moving to Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Arena for three-nights of shows from Dec. 13 to 15. Thanks to Lay Zhang's stardom, the production was an instant hit, with tickets selling out in seconds when presales opened on Nov. 14. Social media posts under a related trending hashtag received more than 450 million views by the morning of Dec. 9.

Tian Qinxin, theater director and president of the National Theatre of China, poses for a photo at the premiere for "The Summoning of Dunhuang" in Beijing, Dec. 7, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the National Theatre of China]

Speaking to the press at a recent Q&A session, the director also revealed plans for an international tour, as the National Theatre of China always aims to showcase the Chinese spirit, beauty and theatrical charm on the world stage. Dunhuang arts serve as a bridge to connect China with the world, she said, and this musical can contribute to enhancing Chinese culture and arts' presence in global exchanges.