The beauty of the fantasy court of the opera Turandot

Yesterday I went to the China Grand Theatre to see the opera "Turandot". This opera was composed by the famous Italian composer Puccini in the early 20th century, and was first performed in Italy. The original drama is likely to be in the late Qing Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty, when the Italians invaded China, they initially understood the arbitrariness and luxury of Empress Dowager Cixi in the Qing Dynasty court, and also saw the grandeur of the Chinese palace and the vast territory of China, plus the imagination of Europeans on the mysterious and rich East since ancient times, so he wrote an opera about the empress whose appearance was unique but cruel and vicious in heart.

Opera and drama were the main forms of viewing art for Europeans before the age of film and television, especially opera, known for their exquisite costumes, grand and complex scenes, numerous characters, twists and turns in stories, beautiful music, and gorgeous singing voices.

The original drama of "Turandot" presents the oriental court imagined by the Italians as a fantasy, from officials who study traditional classics, are loyal, still have conscience, sometimes majestic and sometimes playful, there are queens who combine amazing beauty and ruthless cruelty, there are foreigners who come from afar and yearn for the East, and slave girls who are humble but kind and affectionate. The lyrics and singing voice are very beautiful and high-pitched, in line with the setting of court drama.

After adaptation, the National Centre for the Performing Arts's "Turandot" is more in line with the Chinese aesthetic. The set and character costumes are gorgeous and solemn, with typical royal momentum and elements, and it is indeed a visual feast. The storyline also shows the turbulent twists and turns of China's history and the idea of yin and yang coexisting. The queen has become a princess, with both an arrogant and indifferent side, and a longing for love and warmth, compared to the single image of the original play, the appearance and heart of the characters are richer and more layered. Because the theme of love has been strengthened, the ambivalence of Westerners in the original drama who are curious about the wealth and culture of the East and dislike the dictatorship and imperialism is weakened.

Perhaps due to the epidemic, the theater was not full, but the band and actors were still very dedicated to presenting a wonderful opera to the audience.