Core Insights - The 18th Wenhua Award has recognized 23 productions and their creators, highlighting the significant contributions in scriptwriting, directing, music, stage design, and performance, serving as a barometer for the development of stage arts [1] Group 1: Stage Visual Design - The award-winning works exhibit a trend towards minimalist aesthetics, reflecting a rational return of Chinese stage visual design after years of exploration [2] - Chinese stage visual design is moving away from Western frameworks and returning to Eastern aesthetic systems, combining traditional aesthetics with modern stage technology [2] - The design process emphasizes internal expression over external effects, marking a maturation and confidence in Chinese stage art [2] Group 2: Creative Approaches - The visual design of the dance drama "Tianxia Dazhu" does not simply replicate the Dazhu rock carvings but refines them through contemporary aesthetics, showcasing Song Dynasty's simplicity and elegance [2] - The dance poetry drama "Only This Green" draws inspiration from Song Dynasty aesthetics, using the green color palette of "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" as the visual theme [2] - The creative team of "Dream of the Red Chamber" boldly explores beyond traditional realism, transforming literary connotations into tangible stage imagery through symbolic visual elements [2] Group 3: Modern Technology in Stage Art - Modern technology plays a crucial role in stage visual creation, enhancing artistic expression, as seen in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory in the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War, which utilized an 800-square-meter LED ice screen system [5] - The program "Eternal Number" employed projection techniques to convey the harsh realities of war, illustrating the emotional impact through innovative visual storytelling [5] - Lighting design has evolved to become a performer in its own right, intricately guiding audience emotions through nuanced temperature adjustments and layered effects [5] Group 4: Audience Experience - Audiences remember not only the performances but also the striking visual imagery, such as the interplay of light and shadow in "Tianxia Dazhu" and the epic narratives in "Eternal Waves" and "Justice Must Prevail" [6]