Special Topic/Digital Empowerment in Theatre
Ma Xiaojing, Li Shichao
Sichuan Drama.
2025, 0(3):
18-24.
In the era of digital intelligence, the digitalization of Xiqu (the traditional Chinese opera) has become an inevitable trend. As technological advancements give rise to new media and art form, digital Xiqu, featuring digial creation, performance and consumption, has emerged as a promising future development. As Xiqu faces marginalization, digital technologies have evolved from supportive tools to symbiotic partners, reshaping the art form. However, rapid technological advancements have sparked concerns regarding spatial forms, performance subjects, and live experiences. Wihle digitalization expands the creative boundaries of Xiqu, it diminishes audience imagination and challenges the agency of performers, leading to the rise of AI-driven generative algorithms replacing human creators. By transforming contemplative logic into immersive experiences, digital Xiqu deconstructs traditional Xiqu while signaling the art's future vitality. As a result, defining digtal Xiqu as a distinct art form that both fosters the inheritance of traditional Xiqu and supports its digital evolution has become a key focus in academic discussions.