Tian Qinxin, the president of the National Theatre of China, who is the scriptwriter and director of the production. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As playwright and director, Tian says she found the production both challenging and innovative, as it blends art forms such as drama, music and dance, and makes use of film, 2D, 3D and artificial intelligence technology to break through the barriers between drama, music and live performance. The use of the latest technology allows the audience to fully appreciate the richness and depth of Dunhuang art through the collision of tradition and modernity, as well as the interaction between content and technology.

"How to achieve the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture through art has been a long-term topic of exploration for theater, one we faced during the creative process," says Tian, adding that in May this year, the team traveled to Dunhuang for field research and discussions with the Dunhuang Academy.

"Walking in Dunhuang made us feel as if we had crossed a thousand years, and we experienced the power of Chinese cultural heritage. Our goal is to rejuvenate Dunhuang art, to allow more young people to witness the agelong transmission and vitality of Chinese civilization," she says.

"After more than six months of in-depth field research, script-writing and rehearsals, the production is about to meet the audience. We are striving to use the power of technology and the beauty of art to give new meaning to Dunhuang culture, in the hope of leading the audience through the ancient and modern, the domestic and the foreign, to experience the power and deep call of Chinese culture displayed in the brilliance of Dunhuang, and the warmth of personal emotions," adds Cheng Peng, vice-president of the National Theatre of China.