Recently, the "Theatre Studies for the Future" 2024 Shanghai Theatre Academy International Young Scholars Forum was held in the multifunctional classroom at the Huashan Road Campus.
In the face of the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the rapid evolution of new quality productive forces represented by artificial intelligence, Shanghai Theatre Academy proposed the concept of constructing "Future Theatre Studies" at the beginning of this year and launched a series of theoretical discussions and practices. This forum was held on this basis.
The forum was guided by the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee for Education and Health and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, hosted by Shanghai Theatre Academy, and organized by the Personnel Office and Talent Office of the academy. The forum focused on three main directions: art education and teaching, practical creation and theoretical construction. It covered multiple categories and disciplinary fields of art, including theatre, film, dance and music, providing an advanced academic exchange platform for outstanding young scholars to explore innovative development and deep integration of theatre studies and related arts in the new era, thereby promoting high-quality development of the academy.
Through an open call for submissions, the forum received contributions from over a hundred young scholars domestically and internationally, and sixty young scholars were invited to participate in the forum in person. Persons-in-charge from relevant functional departments and secondary faculties of Shanghai Theatre Academy also attended the forum.
In the opening ceremony, Deputy Party Secretary and President of Shanghai Theatre Academy, Huang Changyong, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the academy, highlighting the achievements in key areas such as the integration of science and art and talent acquisition in recent years.
He emphasized that the hosting of this forum aims to attract more young scholars with innovative spirit and practical abilities to work together for the development of the academy and contribute ideas for the development of art in the era of artificial intelligence.
Wang Qingyu, Director of the Talent Work Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee for Education and Health Work, introduced Shanghai's policies on talent introduction, cultivation, service and support, stressing the city's demand and high regard for high-end art talents.
Tobias Biancone, Director-General of the International Theatre Institute, shared insights on the relationship between theatre and artificial intelligence.
In the main forum session, Xie Wei, Party Secretary of Shanghai Theatre Academy, delivered a keynote speech on "Future Theatre Studies Initiative and STA Practices".
Other keynote speakers included Ding Xiaodong, Executive Vice President of Shanghai Chuangzhi Academy and former President of Shanghai University of Science and Technology; Liu Hao, Director of the Ethnic Music Department of Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Director of the Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence Music Therapy; Si Tu Jiayi, Professor of Shanghai Theatre Academy; and Hu Shihui, Chairman of Opportunity Group. From multiple dimensions including top-level design, disciplinary support, experience sharing, artistic practice, to the integration of industry and education, they discussed the construction of future theatre studies.
At the sub-forum, experts and young scholars gave brilliant speeches on topics such as "Innovation in Art Education and Teaching under the Integration of Science and Art", "Explorations of New Quality Productive Forces in Artistic Creation Practice", and "Transformation of Art Research Paradigms in the Wave of the Digital and Intelligent Era".
Shanghai Theatre Academy, which is soon to celebrate its 80th anniversary, adheres to the disciplinary construction strategy of "Chinese Discourse, Integration of Science and Art, International Influence, and Original Initiatives". It focuses on an "I-shaped" disciplinary structure and the distinctive feature of theatre and film studies being "the best among the best". Following the key layout direction of its disciplines, Shanghai Theatre Academy actively responds to the needs of the times, continuously deepens the practical exploration and theoretical construction of future theater studies, and attracts more outstanding young talents from home and abroad with a more open and inclusive attitude. This grand event will undoubtedly inspire more insightful individuals to focus on the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the field of theatre and the arts.
