This July, a Chinese-French collaborative stage adaptation of Jules Verne’s '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' captivated audiences in Beijing through the magic of black light puppetry. By combining UV-illuminated puppets with dynamic stage design, the production plunges viewers into an otherworldly undersea realm, where glowing marine creatures drift past and the legendary Nautilus submarine emerges from the darkness.
The creative team, blending expertise from Shanghai and Paris, reimagined Verne’s 19th-century sci-fi epic with modern technology. Fluorescent puppets crafted from lightweight materials dance under ultraviolet spotlights, creating fluid movements that mirror the ebb and flow of ocean currents. The minimalist set lets the luminescent figures take center stage, inviting the audience to fill in the depths with their imagination.
Beyond its visual spectacle, the adaptation resonated with young global citizens and sustainability-minded audiences. By spotlighting the ocean’s hidden wonders—and its fragility—the show sparks conversations about marine conservation and our collective responsibility to protect underwater ecosystems. For business and tech enthusiasts, the seamless integration of lighting engineering and traditional puppetry offers insight into how creative industries can innovate through cross-cultural collaboration.
Feedback from the packed theater was glowing. Viewers praised the immersive storytelling and the fresh take on a classic tale, noting how the performance bridges art, science, and environmental awareness. With its blend of high-tech illumination and human artistry, this black light puppetry adventure exemplifies the kind of global exchange that fuels new perspectives and inspires changemakers.
As the curtain fell in Beijing, the production underscored the power of stagecraft to unite cultures, ignite curiosity, and shine a light—literally—on the mysteries of our world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
