SHBS Event | A Dream back to the Silk Road: Immersive Theatrical Experience
  • 2024-04-01
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On April 1st, SHBS hosted the grand Chinese Language and Culture Festival. The beautiful campus transformed into a captivating historical panorama as the large-scale immersive theatrical experience "A Dream back to the Silk Road" planned, directed, and performed by students, officially began.

The event commenced in the auditorium, where the host provided a detailed introduction to the program and the background story. With anticipation in their hearts, the audience held silk wristbands of various colors representing different experiential routes. They followed the lead of the "archaeologists" and embarked on a journey through history.


In Classroom 11, the story of Zhang Qian unfolded. Student actors dressed in exquisite traditional Chinese costumes portrayed Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions, showcasing the details of economic and cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. Meticulously designed props and backgrounds transported the audience to the Han Dynasty, allowing them to witness the courage and wisdom of this envoy.

 

Classroom 8 presented the story of Huo Qubing's battles against the Xiongnu. Actors donning battle armor and wielding long spears reenacted heroic feats in the defense of the safety of the Silk Road, depicting the cruelty and valor of ancient military warfare.


Classroom 5 told the story of Xuanzang's Journey to the West. Accompanied by Buddhist music, actors dressed in monk robes conveyed the piety, resilience, and the various hardships and challenges faced by Xuanzang on his quest for Buddhist scriptures through physical expressions and heartfelt performances.




In the administrative building's main hall, the story of Marco Polo transported the audience to a world of cultural blending. Exquisite costumes blending Italian and Chinese elements, along with vivid dialogues and interactions, showcased the marvelous experiences of this Italian traveler in the Yuan Dynasty and the collision and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.

The dance studio transformed into a stage to present the story of the Princess Jieyou and her marriage. Through elegant lighting and dramatic performances, the story of the princess as a peace envoy unfolded, depicting the profound friendship between Feng Liao and the Princess Jieyou and revealing the unique role and status of women in historical cultural exchanges.

In addition to the theatrical performances, the robotics classroom in the experimental building and the APlus Café served as important venues for immersive experiences. Performances of the Western Region dance "Mogao Dancer" and the playing of pipa, konghou, and bamboo flute vividly presented the music and dance arts of the ancient Silk Road, captivating the audience in the beauty of exotic cultures.

Finally, all the storylines converged in the auditorium. During the closing ceremony, the lead actors led the audience in revisiting the highlights of each story, bringing this magical journey to an end amidst thunderous applause.


From Zhang Qian to Marco Polo, from war to peace, from economy to religion, this series of spectacular performances not only allowed students to explore the rich history and culture of China but also enabled them to understand how art creation and expression facilitate communication with the world. This awe-inspiring theatrical experience fully showcased the talents, creativity, and strong teamwork of SHBS students. We believe that while retaining their profound cultural roots, they will bravely step into the world and become Chinese individuals who integrate into and illuminate the world.



文 | Puppet Wu

翻译 | Lexie Liu (G11)

排版 | Jang

配图 | Photography Club