Panda Ah Dun Launches Puppet Show and Animated Film at the Avignon Theatre Festival

— This article is reprinted from Beijing Youth Daily
Written by: Beijing Youth Reporter Guo Jia
Photographs by: Beijing Youth Reporter Liu Chang
Edited by: Qiao Ying

A panda carrying the spirit of the Beijing Winter Olympics and continuing the glorious mission of Beijing as the “Double Olympic City” recently arrived in France. It roamed the streets, soaking in the Olympic atmosphere, while gradually stepping into its own character story. On July 14th, the global launch of the puppet show and animated film titled My Name is Aton was held at the main venue of the Avignon OFF Theatre Festival in France. The round, plump panda silhouette and the ink-wash styled white canvas bag became the most eye-catching elements of the evening.

Panda Ah Dun, a series IP initiated and planned by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and a project of the Great Drama Looking at Beijing artistic creation incubation platform, is officially launching the creation of the puppet show and animated film, following the release of books and audio dramas.

The global release event for the puppet show and animated film was funded by the Beijing Publicity and Cultural Guidance Fund and was organized by the Franco-Asian Theatre Exchange Society. Chen Ning, the general planner of Panda Aton and a representative of the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles, shared a video message, expressing her blessings for Panda Ah Dun. She hopes that, as Aton grows, more exciting and fascinating stories will unfold, bringing joy and resonance to fans worldwide.

Keeping “Bing Dwen Dwen” in China through the Story of Aton

Liu Cunzheng, co-initiator of the project and the designer of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen, shared the inspiration behind Ah Dun’s creation: “The idea for Ah Dun actually began even before the Beijing Winter Olympics ended. At that time, Bing Dwen Dwen was incredibly popular, and we all knew that the intellectual property rights for Bing Dwen Dwen belonged to the International Olympic Committee. By December 31, 2022, all intellectual property rights would be handed back to the IOC. Without a plan, Bing Dwen Dwen would leave us, and everyone would be reluctant to let it go. We wanted it to stay in Beijing and have more memories associated with it. While we couldn’t change the ownership of the intellectual property, we thought, why not create another panda? One that’s inspired by Bing Dwen Dwen, but with a new life, a new character.”

At first, Liu was uncertain about the difficulty of the task. “When designing Bing Dwen Dwen, we already faced many challenges, though the result was loved by everyone. But I was unsure if a new character could be as well-received. Over time, I realized that if we could keep Bing Dwen Dwen in a new form in Beijing, it would be very meaningful. And thus, Aton, the new and lovable character, was born. Aton is inspired by our love for Bing Dwen Dwen and represents a wonderful story of growth and self-realization.”

Imperfect Yet Precious Characters—Cherishing the Ordinary, Believing in Miracles

Writing a story about Bing Dwen Dwen, but not exactly about Bing Dwen Dwen, was a challenge for Zhou Xiaofeng, Vice President of the Beijing Writers Association and winner of the Lu Xun Literature Prize and the China Children’s Literature Award. “Later, I decided to write a story about how one finds their place and direction in the journey of growth, embracing imperfection. With kindness and courage, we can still find joy in life.” In her literary work My Name is Ah Dun, every character is imperfect. “Individual dreams are worth cherishing, and the power of unity cannot be overlooked. While we all strive to be better, faster, and stronger, human relationships are not always about competition. Cooperation can create an even brighter future. Through Aton’s story, I hope we all understand our past selves, accept who we are now, and look forward to who we can become. Everyone can keep growing, cherish the ordinary, and believe in miracles.”

Chen Liaoyu, director of China’s Strange Tales, is the director of the animated film. He explained that while animation is based on imagination and fiction, there are three main sources: “The first is life. Aton, though a panda, is just an ordinary person in our lives. It’s imperfect, with flaws, but full of curiosity and willing to try anything. Ah Dun may not look athletic, but it’s still interested in trying various sports. The second source is culture. Ah Dun’s design and art style should reflect traditional Chinese culture and aesthetic elements. The third source is emotion. Ah Dun may be imperfect like every ordinary person, but it is kind, warm, and friendly, just like every Chinese person. After this trip to France, I hope Ah Dun will continue to evolve and improve.”

Meeting the Olympics in Paris, Meeting Drama in Avignon

When discussing the creation of the puppet show and why the Ah Dun IP was launched at the Avignon Theatre Festival, Zhao Miao, director and founder of the San Tuo Qi Theatre Group, said, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and the Olympics will be held in France. Ah Dun, coming from the Beijing Winter Olympics, hopes to reunite with the Paris Olympics. It’s also the 10th year of the San Tuo Qi Theatre Group in Avignon and the 7th year of the ‘Shining China’ project. We hope that Aton, with its deep connection to the Olympics, can meet the Olympics in Paris, and meet drama in Avignon, sparking more inspiration in different atmospheres. From here, we can collaborate with Chinese and French artists to create limitless possibilities in the future.”

Cao Lu, the set designer for the San Tuo Qi Theatre Group and the puppet show My Name is Ah Dun, introduced the visual style of the production. “Ah Dun will maintain the distinctive stage aesthetic of our physical theatre, which is known for its poetic, fluid stage visuals. It will offer a particularly novel and exciting visual presentation.”

French puppet director Marie-Julienne Gaste, an old friend of Zhao Miao, humorously said, “I don’t know if this is an advantage, but like Ah Dun, I’m not particularly gifted in physical movement. However, I think there’s a connection between Ah Dun’s imperfect movements and my own, and from tonight, our creative journey begins.”

Anticipating Aton’s Performance in Avignon Next Year

Harold David, co-chairman of the Avignon OFF Theatre Festival, referred to Ah Dun as “a mysterious figure” and expressed his anticipation for Aton’s performance next year, saying, “I already feel that Aton’s story will be widely welcomed. The Avignon OFF Theatre Festival is excited to see more exchanges and collaborations between Chinese and French artists. The panda story will surely be loved by French audiences at first sight.”

Anna, Director of International Relations at the Avignon OFF Theatre Festival, commented, “After seeing the images of Ah Dun, I think Aton is just like everyone in our lives. It has very human qualities—conflicted and contradictory. It’s round and adorable, but not only cute. It’s big, yet perhaps its heart is fragile. It loves food, but it also yearns for poetry and faraway places.”

At the release event, Liu Cunzheng and Harold David unveiled the My Name is Ah Dun scroll. Guests and the audience raised a glass of carrot and apple juice, Ah Dun’s favorite, to celebrate the beginning of the panda’s shining journey. The theme song, written by Zhang Heping and composed by Shu Nan, was played, warmly and playfully capturing Aton’s voice.