Applying technology in performing arts

Technology is a powerful “assistant” of performing arts. (In the photo: A scene from the opera “The Half-Closed Door”)

Increase interaction, emotional connection

Applications such as 3D mapping, holograms, drone lights, artificial intelligence, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR)… are opening up unprecedented opportunities for artists.

This can be clearly seen through some art programs in recent times, such as: “Remaining Memories”, “Spring of Reunification”, “You are Ho Chi Minh ”… It is also necessary to mention the resounding shows such as “Quintessence of the North”, “Hoi An Memories”, or “Da Nang International Fireworks Festival”.

Digital scenography has proven its ability to create flexible “stage universes”, with dozens of scenes changing instantly according to the script, allowing the audience to not only “watch”, but also “live” with the characters’ world .

The success of some recent plays, such as “Disaster” (Vietnam Drama Theater), “Ha Thanh Chinh Khi” ( Hanoi Drama Theater), “Canh Cua Ham Ba” (Vietnam Opera House), “Thuong Thien Thanh Mau” (Vietnam Opera House in collaboration with Vietnam Circus Federation)… all have the mark of technology.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism, shared: Technology has changed the way of looking at things, methods, and forms of expression, as well as making an important contribution to helping performing arts spread its values...

Removing barriers

According to Dr. Pham Ngoc Hien, Head of the Theory and Criticism Department, Ho Chi Minh City Dance Artists Association, one of the biggest obstacles today is technological infrastructure. Many theaters and stages are still not equipped with modern projection equipment, smart sound and lighting systems, or spaces compatible with digital technology such as VR, AR, or 3D mapping, making high-tech performances difficult and costly. Along with that is the shortage of human resources capable of combining art and technology.

Another obstacle is that up to now, our country still has a "gap" in terms of digital art development strategy as well as support and funding policies for art projects applying new technology.

Speaking at the scientific conference “Application of 4.0 technology in the field of performing arts - Current situation and solutions” recently organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hanoi, Dr. Pham Viet Ha (Department of Science, Technology, Training and Environment - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) said that it is necessary to eliminate the fear and conservatism that technology destroys the “quality” of art, or distorts traditional cultural identity; instead, technology should be viewed as a tool to support creativity, convey and expand performance space.

Dr. Pham Viet Ha proposed to research and open training codes for digital arts and technology. In the immediate future, specialized training institutions for music, theater, dance, etc. need to update and supplement subjects related to technology and art.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Quyen, Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Officials, said that the State needs to participate in key, strategic investment programs, focusing on upgrading facilities and equipment at theaters, cinemas, and large performing arts centers.

To overcome the risk of abuse and dependence on technology, leading to distortion of artistic identity, Master Tran Van Hieu, Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism, said: It is necessary to promote the initiative of artists in learning and testing new technological tools, thereby creating unique forms of creative expression, bearing personal imprints but still connecting with the public in the digital environment; creating conditions for traditional artists to have the opportunity to work, exchange and cooperate with technology experts, thereby forming a team of artists-technicians-producers with interdisciplinary creative capacity.

DAC LINH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/ung-dung-cong-nghe-trong-nghe-thuat-bieu-dien-post893517.html