Shanghai Grand Theater marks anniversary with 'Turandot'
A new production of Puccini’s “Turandot” begins at the Shanghai Grand Theater next week, marking the start of the theater’s 20th anniversary season.
Co-produced by the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Shanghai Opera House, the new version will star overseas artists such as Italian conductor Renato Palumbo and Russian soprano Maria Gulleghina as well as Chinese singers Xu Xiaoying and Yu Yang.
“Turandot,” one of Puccini's masterpieces, exhibits not only drama, conflicts and beautiful arias, but also the mysterious China of a Westerner’s imagination, according to Li Ruixiang, vice president of the Shanghai Opera House. Chinese elements will certainly be among the highlights.
“The China in ‘Turandot’ is an imaginative land where horror can turn into love. Everything here is dream-like,” says Roverto Ando, director of the new production.
In the story, Princess Turandot does not have self-confidence in her power but needs to seek shelter in riddles. However, the seemingly cruel princess will change with prince Calaf’s kiss.
“Puccini exhibits the dream perfectly in his music,” says Ando. “And we made great efforts to show that part in our production.”
Performance details
Date: January 24-26, 7:15pm
Tickets: 80-880 yuan
Tel: 6386-8686
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: 300 People’s Ave
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