Bridging Past and Present: Rejuvenating Cantonese Opera through Overlapping Immersive Experience in Virtual Reality

Abstract

As an art form representing the spirit and culture of a nation, opera embodies deep cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles and deserves engaging promotion and preservation. However, with the rapid shifts in social and cultural dynamics, traditional Chinese opera performances and experiences often fall short of meeting the expectations of modern audiences. This paper focuses on using the latest technologies to set up a bridge that not only preserves and promotes traditional cultural heritage but also aligns with modern viewing habits, thus bridging the past and present. Through volumetric video capture and 3D reconstruction, we captured high-fidelity performances of opera artists and recreated an ancient stage with interactive particle effects to build an immersive experience in virtual reality (VR). Users can engage with the environment through singing and gesture movements where the amplitude of Cantonese opera vocals and gestures will influence interactive point cloud particles, creating a dynamic and responsive atmosphere. This experience aims to trigger the curiosity of younger audiences in the appreciation of traditional performing arts.