French-based theme park operator Puy du Fou will make its foray into Asia with the opening of its immersive theatre in Shanghai next year.
Transformed from an existing building, the 250,000m² SAGA City of Light is located at Cao Bao Road in the south-western part of the city and will boast a creative entertainment model rooted in local Chinese history, legends and heritage.
According to president and artistic director, Nicolas de Villiers – who was recently a speaker during the panel session of the Global Tourism Economy Forum 2023 held in Macau – the game plan in China is to build a big live show first, before constructing theme parks in other cities.
He said: “China’s huge population makes it the (ideal) first market for us and its 5,000-year civilisation along with numerous beautiful cities means no shortage of great locations.
de Villiers shared that the shows in Shanghai will be Chinese versions of various re-enactment shows “inspired by history and heroes of different historical times”. The duration for each show is 30 minutes, and includes a short interval so the audience can enjoy F&B options.
The venue will feature different shows similar to the 20 different shows in France, which plays several times a day.
“Targeting local Shanghainese residents, like families, we believe the brand can bring our own storytelling know-how in the immersive experience, which can create something unique, like an adventurous walk-through show,” he added.
Rather than a traditional setting with a stage and seats, the audience will be ushered to a room by performers or comedians where after listening to a story, they will then decide which door to exit so as to “become part of the story”.
The theatre will feature a unique concept in China, spiced up with numerous technologies, such as the use of artificial intelligence for backstage, holograms, video effects, water effects, among others.
With a maximum capacity of 900 pax, the complex’s traffic is estimated to hit 5,000 visitors per day on weekends.
Presently still looking for private and public partners for the development, the SAGA will debut after Chinese New Year next year. The group has also expressed interest to collaborate with Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore.
