Aranya Festival unveils bold lineup of plays

Structured as a series of nine workshops under the theme "A Day in the Life", Idea brings together a diverse roster of creators. Highlights include Cyber Pet Playground by Chen Yan, which investigates emotional intimacy in a digital age; Deserted Island by Li Zhenhua, a poetic exploration of solitude and imagination; and AI Future Theater Unfolding by science fiction author Chen Qiufan, examining the ethics of human-machine relationships.

Idea extends into the night with three midnight forums scheduled from June 25 to 27 at Aranya Hall. These forums feature thinkers from theater, technology, architecture, and literature in open-ended dialogues that explore the intersections of performance and future society. Topics range from posthuman aesthetics and quantum storytelling to the dramaturgy of everyday life.

The festival will culminate on June 28 with an awards ceremony and a beachside celebration co-hosted by Bazaar New Art. The top entries from the Showcase will receive gold, silver, and jury special prizes. More than a competition, the event aims to affirm a spirit of creative risk-taking and collaborative inquiry.