Artists push the boundaries of performance art by juxtaposing dramatic expression with emerging technologies, Li Yingxue reports.

On the beach of Qinhuangdao's Aranya community in Hebei province, a striking vessel awaits. Woven from fishing ropes and draped in a dynamic digital net of light and shadow, the installation invites visitors aboard for an immersive journey that moves between memory and visions of future.

As night falls, "whale" songs and ocean waves blend with electronic tones, while projected textures and flowing lights create a dreamlike scene. The installation, by new media artists Wang Zhigang and Sun Yu, evokes a contemporary "Noah's Ark" — carrying reflections on preservation and renewal in a technological age.

The work was part of the Future Theater Showcase, a highlight of last month's Aranya Theater Festival. This year's Showcase captivated audiences with a rich program that pushed the boundaries of performance art.