The Pure Blue by the Shanghai Theatre Academy

USPA NEWS - On 11 August 2025, audiences at the Lauriston Halls (C ARTS | C venues | C aurora) in Edinburgh were moved by The Pure Blue, a performance by the Shanghai Theatre Academy College of Dance exploring ocean conservation through evocative movement and imagery

The piece is a silent cry of the ocean: dancers embody marine life in distress—whales ensnared in fishing nets, dolphins trapped in plastic waste, seahorses, coral reefs—transcending the stage to invoke a broader ecological message

The choreography’s fluidity mirrored water’s ebb and flow, while sharp, anguished movements captured creatures’ struggle—bringing both beauty and urgency to this immersive piece. Though not verified by mainstream critics, it stood out for its emotional clarity and environmental advocacy—hallmarks of the China Focus showcase, which continues to elevate contemporary Chinese artistry on global stages

As part of the China Focus programme (running 30 July – 25 August 2025), The Pure Blue joined eight other boundary-pushing works—spanning AI-enhanced dance, shadow puppetry entwined with Daoist philosophy, and fusion of traditional instruments with modern theatre—that collectively showcased the vitality of current Chinese performance arts

The Pure Blue is not just a performance—it’s a poignant reminder of our fragile seas and the urgent need for conservation. Through dance, it fosters empathy, compelling us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. Positioned within the China Focus lineup, it adds meaningful depth to the Edinburgh Fringe, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to global cultural exchange.