Tencent, a well-known company in the gaming and social media industry, is now venturing into a new field by giving Chinese opera a modern twist. They have begun with the story of Hua Mulan, the legendary heroine who disguised herself as a man to fight in her father’s place. Thanks to Tencent’s tech-savvy approach, this traditional story is gaining a new audience in China.
Tencent’s Modern Makeover
Tencent has taken an old 1956 opera performance and utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to revitalize the video. The use of AI technology has successfully cleaned up the footage, resulting in a fresh and updated version. This project has been a huge success, attracting over 7 million viewers through its live stream. Collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tencent aims to bring traditional Chinese opera into the digital age.
Advancing Traditional Art
Tencent’s efforts go beyond simply enhancing old videos. They are employing advanced technologies like 6DoF, commonly used in virtual reality, to capture the intricate movements of characters from famous operas. This technology allows people today to witness and appreciate the complex beauty of these traditional dances and stories.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
The ultimate goal of Tencent’s project is to preserve classic stories and share them with a new generation. Despite facing challenges such as the availability of old opera data, Tencent is finding innovative solutions. They are even planning to establish a digital library, making it easier for more people to access and enjoy these restored performances.
In China, tech companies are leveraging their resources to celebrate and safeguard traditional culture. Through their efforts, they are ensuring that these significant pieces of China’s heritage will not be forgotten. This serves as a testament to how technology can bridge the gap between the past and the present.
