On October 10, The Quantum Phantom, the second play of an original science fiction trilogy, premiered in the Music Hall at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) Convention Center.

Among those in attendance were Ling ZHANG, Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, along with University Council Chairperson Hong JIANG and University Council Vice-Chairperson Ling ZHANG.

Supported by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, the play was jointly produced by SUSTech, the Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and Shenzhen University (SZU).

Co-written by Associate Professor Di YIN from SZU and Chair Professor Yuehong CHEN and Professor Yan WU from SUSTech, the drama continues the exploration of science fiction.

The first work in the series, Yunshen, has been performed 11 times across the Greater Bay Area to critical acclaim, earning the 2024 People’s Literature Award in the Special Literary Form category. The latest production was directed by Professor Xi WU from SZU, featuring performances by graduates from SZU’s arts and related programs.

While Yunshen was set in 2050, a future society shaped by advanced metaverse and digital twin technologies, and centered on four characters drawn into a crisis threatening humanity’s survival, The Quantum Phantom moves the story forward to 2060, where rapid developments in artificial intelligence and quantum technology have given rise to silicon-based beings nearly indistinguishable from humans.

As fierce debate unfolds over whether these beings should replace humankind, divisions deepen among governments and corporate powers. When a vast multinational conglomerate known as “The Company” launches the silicon substitution program, the resulting internal and external conflicts erupt into a devastating laboratory fire and decades-long pursuit and resistance.

At the press conference to promote the new drama, the creative team shared their thoughts on the production. Yuehong CHEN explained that it is designed as a progressive narrative. Whereas Yunshen examined ethical and cultural tensions between carbon-based and silicon-based beings as equals, The Quantum Phantom accelerates this conflict through disruptive technological evolution, deepening the crisis of human existence. Its central theme, he noted, continues to explore the tension between technological progress and the future of humanity.

Describing the play as a science fiction story grounded in scientific hypotheses and an imaginative reflection on an uncertain future, Di YIN emphasized its influence—especially when misused or exploited—requires each individual to respond with awareness and thoughtfulness.

Yan WU and Xi WU also spoke at the conference, adding that The Quantum Phantom explores real technological developments and deeper ethical, social, and human themes, encouraging audiences to reflect and find their own interpretations.

University Council Vice-Chairperson Ling ZHANG highlighted the significance of the premiere, noting that 2025 marks the 100^th anniversary of the birth of quantum mechanics, the 45^th anniversary of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, and the 15^th anniversary of SUSTech. He described The Quantum Phantom as a deeply thought-provoking sci-fi drama and expressed hope that its creation and performance would become a landmark in the development of science fiction theater in Shenzhen and China, while also advancing sci-fi culture with SUSTech’s distinctive imprint.