The fusion of Eastern and Western creativity explores new ideas, and Nanjing’s immersive performance “blooms” in awe

In an interview format, we explore the vibrant fusion of Eastern and Western creativity showcased in Nanjing’s immersive performances, which are capturing the attention of both local and international audiences.

**Interviewer**: Could you describe the atmosphere at the Jiangning Weaving Museum during the immersive performance of “Dream of the Red Chamber”?

**Chen Hong**: Absolutely! The experience is surreal. As audiences walk through a “time tunnel,” they enter the enchanting world of “Dream of the Red Chamber.” There, they can witness characters like “Xue Baoqian” styling hair, accompany “Lin Daiyu” as she buries flowers, or join “Jia Baoyu” in reading. The audience is not confined to seats; actors move among them, creating a dynamic interaction. This innovative performance is a product of the Nanjing Cultural Investment Group’s creativity, leading to a completely fresh entertainment experience.

**Interviewer**: What led to the collaboration with international artists for this project?

**Chen Hong**: We were fortunate to collaborate with Conor Doyle, one of the directors of the Shanghai version of the immersive play “Sleepless Night,” who served as our concept design consultant. Together with young Chinese artists, we aimed to integrate various art forms—digital art, dance, interactive art, and installation art—into our interpretation of this classic Chinese tale. Our goal is to offer audiences an unprecedented immersive experience that harmonizes technology with artistry.

**Interviewer**: I understand that this project aligns with themes of peace and cultural heritage. Can you elaborate on that?

**Hao Yuanyuan**: Definitely. The creators responded to the call from UNESCO and the Nanjing Peace Forum, with “Designing for Peace” as our theme. By merging the creativity of artists from different backgrounds, we bring new life to the Jiangning Weaving Museum, the birthplace of “Dream of the Red Chamber.” This initiative seeks to awaken society’s attention to our historical and cultural legacies.

**Interviewer**: How has Nanjing embraced the fusion of modern creativity with cultural heritage in other venues?

**Hao Yuanyuan**: Nanjing is rich in historical significance, and we’ve witnessed this fusion blossoming in many iconic sites. For example, at Zhan Garden, as twilight descends, visitors become part of the narrative, searching for “Lin Daiyu” among the traditional architecture. The seamless interaction between the audience and performers enriches both the experience and understanding of our cultural heritage.

**Interviewer**: Speaking of heritage, how is the Ming City Wall being integrated into contemporary presentations?

**Wang Teng**: The Ming City Wall is considered a national treasure, and our immersive light show, “Heartprint: Zhonghua Gate,” aims to highlight its grandeur through a modern lens. We use lighting and projection to bring the ancient structure to life at night, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty and history in a new way.

**Interviewer**: Nanjing has been recognized as a “City of Literature.” How does this recognition influence cultural activities?

**Hao Yuanyuan**: Being China’s first “City of Literature” and one of the first historical and cultural cities means we carry a rich cultural legacy. In April, we launched a new round of the “Designing for Peace” initiative, which received 370 submissions focusing on sustainable development. We encourage young creators to express their visions through varied forms of media, helping to amplify their voices for peace.

**Interviewer**: What message do you hope young people take away from the “Designing for Peace” project?

**Hao Yuanyuan**: We believe that the energy and creativity of youth are essential for cultural transmission and evolution. By encouraging young people to showcase their artistic talents, we hope to foster innovative outcomes that reflect Nanjing’s diversity and inclusivity. Our project will continue to organize vibrant activities, nurturing the seeds of peace to grow into a flourishing “peace forest” among the younger generation.