Our university's Key Laboratory of Digital Performing Arts Integrated Innovation accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Artistic Creation in Virtual Environments have played a leading role of scientific research platforms. They actively implement the "Three-Year Action Plan for Discipline Construction of Shanghai Theatre Academy (2023-2025)" which emphasizes the integration of science and art to promote the convergence of artistic expression and technological innovation. Recently, they have received two honors, contributing to our university's goal of becoming a model institution for the best practices of Xi Jinping's cultural thought.
The Key Laboratory of Digital Performing Arts Integrated Innovation has long been dedicated to the innovative integration of digital technology and artistic creation. In 2020, the laboratory was granted a project under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Science and Technology Innovation Program titled "Innovative Research on XR Immersive Traditional Chinese Opera." After more than three years of continuous exploration and research, the immersive Chinese opera "Daiyu Burying Flowers" was launched, creating a new form of expression for traditional Chinese culture. Utilizing virtual reality technology, "Daiyu Burying Flowers" combines virtual Yue Opera performances with real stage setups through smart terminals and extended reality glasses. This overlay allows the audience to freely explore the scenes, reconstructing a narrative line unique to each experience and offering a novel way to enjoy Chinese opera.
In 2023, "Daiyu Burying Flowers" was listed among the "Top Ten Cases of Digital Innovation in Culture and Tourism" by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and was recognized for "Innovative Cultural Expression (Using Digital Means to Innovate Artistic Forms)".
The play received an award from the Department of Science and Education of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the Seventh Digital China Summit Digital Culture Sub-forum held in Fuzhou, Fujian on 29 May 2024.
Our university's Shanghai Key Laboratory of Artistic Creation in Virtual Environments focuses on using new digital methods to disseminate red culture, contributing to Shanghai's efforts to become the best practice site for Xi Jinping's cultural thought and amplifying the voice and strength of the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
From 23 to 27 May 2024, at the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, the "Yida Cultural and Creative" initiative from the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China was featured in the Shanghai exhibition area. The exhibition promoted red culture through various sections such as "Party Building Learning", "Research Education", "IP Co-branding" and "Cultural-Tourism Integration." Among the highlights was the "Journey of the Original Aspiration" large-space VR Party class produced by the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in collaboration with the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Shanghai Theatre Academy and Shanghai Conservatory of Music. This project was the first large-space VR experience in China focused on red culture, offering an immersive, free-roaming interactive Party class that allows visitors to experience the "Journey of the Original Aspiration" firsthand.
