Summary of the Key Points
As the opening act of the Anaya Drama Festival, *Wencheng* caused outrage among viewers because the actors (Zhou Dongyu, Duan Yihong, etc.) relied entirely on cue cards and even read from scripts throughout the performance. What was promised to be a “palace-level show” costing up to 880 yuan turned out to be more like a rehearsal. Viewers posted complaints on social media walls, demanding refunds and calling it a shameless stunt. The production team defended their approach by claiming it was part of “avant-garde drama with scripts,” but the article argues that true avant-garde drama uses scripts as a means of artistic expression. In *Wencheng*, however, the actors’ lack of professionalism and disrespect for the audience amounted to a form of “value fraud” in cultural consumption.
1. Spending 880 yuan on a “rehearsal”? The gap between expectation and reality in cultural consumption is huge
The viewers were not upset about reading the scripts; they were disappointed because they felt they had been overcharged for something that did not meet their expectations. If the promotion had indicated it was an “experimental performance,” the audience might have been more accepting. However, with the label of an opening act and a star-studded cast, along with a price tag comparable to a top-tier concert, viewers expected a professional and immersive experience. Instead, they saw actors who were distracted, made mistakes, and constantly looked at their cue cards—just like paying for a Michelin-starred meal only to get fast-food noodles. The pricing of cultural products is based on the perceived value, which in this case was greatly exceeded.
2. “Avant-garde drama” is not just an excuse: True innovation vs. a cover for incompetence
The production team claimed that using scripts was part of the avant-garde approach. In genuine avant-garde drama, scripts are used to create specific effects—perhaps to break the audience’s illusion or to reveal the actors’ anxiety during performance. The actors in *Wencheng* clearly did not prepare adequately; their lack of familiarity with the scripts undermined the entire experience.
3. The live experience is the essence of drama: *Wencheng* ruined its own reputation
Drama differs from film in that its value lies in the interactive experience between actors and audience, creating a unique moment that cannot be replicated. Even in avant-garde works, “imperfections” are intentional and designed to enhance the experience (e.g., deliberately failing props to make it feel more authentic). In *Wencheng*, however, the lack of preparation and interaction with the audience destroyed this essence.
4. Protecting consumer rights in cultural consumption is challenging: Art cannot be used as a shield
When viewers demanded refunds, the organizers blocked the protest walls, highlighting a common issue in cultural consumption: artists often use artistic subjectivity as an excuse for poor quality (e.g., claiming it’s a matter of personal taste). However, consumers should not be deprived of their rights. If a performance is advertised as professional but turns out to be poorly executed, it constitutes false advertising.
5. The impact of celebrity presence and professional competence
The participation of stars like Zhou Dongyu and Duan Yihong was crucial for the show’s high price tag, but their performances fell short. This highlights a problem in the cultural industry where some celebrities rely on their popularity without the necessary skills. Drama requires a solid foundation in acting, and relying on fame without proper preparation harms both the audience and the artist’s reputation.
6. Don’t use “avant-garde” as a cover for laziness
The true purpose of avant-garde drama is to provoke thought through innovative techniques. In *Wencheng*, the use of cue cards was a sign of laziness and a pretense of innovation, akin to students avoiding homework by claiming it’s a creative approach.
Conclusion
*Wencheng* failed to live up to the standards of both avant-garde drama and professional performance. The issue was not just the use of cue cards but the complete lack of respect for the audience and the art form. In cultural consumption, consumers expect sincerity and professionalism. Whether it’s traditional or experimental, authenticity is key. The audience can discern the difference, and they will not be deceived by superficial concepts.