Promotional material for Onmyoji Photo: Courtesy of Guo Zhikai

 

Promotional material for Onmyoji Photo: Courtesy of Guo Zhikai

Providing an astounding interactive audio and visual experience, the live-action theater adaptation of Onmyoji, a mobile game produced by Chinese company Netease, has become a huge hit in China during its nine-city tour of the country.  

In the first half of 2019, the tour has earned more than 25 million yuan ($3.5 million), with attendance exceeding 90 percent and over 50 percent of audiences having watched the drama more than twice.

The mobile game of the same name is based on the classic Japanese story The Tale of Genji that was written during the Heian Period (794-1185). 

The story centers on the famous Japanese onmyoji (Master of Yin and Yang) Abe no Seimei and his adventures in a world where humans and supernatural beings coexist.

The production team behind the musical production based their adaptation on a single chapter in the game. Many fan favorites from the game make an appearance besides Abe, such as the demons Ibarakidouji and Shutendoji.

In order to accurately present the Heian Period in Japan, the producers not only decided to have it performed in Japanese and invited Japanese playwrights to write the script, but also selected Japanese stage actors as the main cast.

Considering the video game origins of the show, the production team tried to bring elements from the game, such as Ibarakidouji's ghoulish hand, to life by using high-tech stage props.

Many young Chinese who have seen the production did so because they were fans of the game, but soon found themselves captivated by the interactive experience presented on stage.

"We have been figuring out how to combine entertainment with art through Onmyoji," said Li Kun, producer of the musical.

"Every theater we have performed at has been a cultural symbol in first-tier cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai. The reason why we selected these sites is so that the 36- to 48-year-old audience will feel at home, while younger audiences will enter the theater with reverence," Li added.

Chinese netizens have given the musical rave reviews on social media. 

"The audio and visual effects in this drama are splendid!" said one netizen.

The show will return to Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from Friday to Sunday.