Omni Chang’An: A Theatrical Odyssey Through Time

China's First Site-Specific Theatre Merges Heritage with Hi-Tech

The concept of Omni Chang’An was born from the vision of connecting Xi’an’s storied past with the global future. The performance is a cultural conduit, an ideological journey that transcends the confines of time and space. The stage becomes a canvas where history is not just retold but reimagined through a series of eight original acts, each with its own distinct dimension and style. The acts—Heming, Nichang, Yingren, Wanxiang, Chang’an, Chongyuan, Gongsheng, and Chuanqi—create a symphony of visual and emotional experiences that encapsulate the essence of Shaanxi's rich cultural tapestry.

What sets Omni Chang’An apart is its pioneering use of technology in a large-scale, site-specific conceptual theatre. The show harnesses over 20 advanced stage technologies, such as matrix screens, wall projections, elevating stages, holographic projections, and mechanical arms, to create an immersive experience. These technological marvels, coupled with in-house developed stage mechanisms, allow the performance to push the boundaries of traditional theatre, engaging audiences in a multi-sensory journey through China's ancient capital.

The technical prowess of Omni Chang’An is matched by its creative ambition. The 90-minute performance is brought to life by fewer than 150 performers, each contributing to a grand narrative that is both intimate and epic. The creative team, led by a cohort of industry veterans including Chief Director Zhang Yimou and Chief Producer Shaxiaolan, worked tirelessly to ensure that the show's vision was fully realized. The result is a seamless integration of artistic expression and technological innovation that redefines the concept of cultural performance.

Behind the scenes, the design interaction of Omni Chang’An was an intricate process involving over 700 sessions with a 300-member programming team. The team's dedication is evident in the 35 creative programs, over 5,000 visual design drafts, and the 80,000 hours spent on production and rendering. This meticulous approach resulted in a performance that not only entertains but also educates, connecting audiences with the cultural heartbeat of Xi’an.

The journey of Omni Chang’An from concept to reality took over 500 days, culminating in a premiere on October 15, 2023, and a public opening on November 9, 2023, in Xi’an, China. The project's success is a reflection of the current cultural zeitgeist, where the demand for personalized and diversified cultural experiences is on the rise. Omni Chang’An meets this demand by offering a new medium for traditional culture to captivate modern audiences, particularly the youth, signaling a significant shift in the cultural and artistic landscape.

Omni Chang’An's blend of tradition and innovation has not gone unnoticed, earning it the prestigious Golden A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award in 2024. This accolade is a testament to the show's exceptional quality and its impact on advancing art, science, design, and technology. As China's first large-scale site-specific conceptual theatre, Omni Chang’An stands as a beacon of cultural ingenuity, inviting audiences to witness the splendor of Shaanxi's heritage through the lens of modern technological mastery.