Opera Australia’s magnificent production of Turandot On Sydney Harbour, the Puccini classic and the final opera from one of the greats, will be screened at the Manning Entertainment Centre on Tuesday September 6 at 10am and 7pm.
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Created especially for the acclaimed Handa Opera’s jaw-dropping outdoor water-stage on the harbour, director Chen Shi-Zheng brings a unique perspective to the classic story about Turandot, the beautiful and powerful princess, who challenges her many suitors to answer three riddles on pain of death.
Puccini's Turandot is one of the greatest operas ever written: brilliant melodies for music-lovers, a gripping story for those that need action and drama, an exotic setting and plenty of movement for lovers of stagecraft and visual splendor. Not forgetting an incredible version of Nessun Dorma performed by Italian tenor, Riccardo Massi.
“Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has now completed its fifth production, and it continues to go from strength to strength. Turandot is the biggest production we’ve ever done and it was an absolute thrill to experience, said artistic director of Opera Australia Lyndon Terracini.
“As one of the four most important outdoor opera events in the world, audiences will delight in seeing the power and drama of Turandot on the big screen. Riccardo Massi’s rendition of Nessun Dorma does not disappoint.”
With a cast of 78, designer Dan Potra has created magnificent costumes as well as a stunning set for the spectacular harbour backdrop, including a 60-meter fire-breathing dragon, with a tail that morphs into the Great Wall, and a shimmering pagoda that stands 18 meters tall.
Steering away from traditional Chinese tropes, the director presents a China that is sleek and modern, with set elements and costumes that reflect the spirit of today. The production also features 187 hats and headdresses, 46 wigs and 30 sets of facial hair!
Expect bold, dramatic, bright shapes and a set that will take your breath away.
The story
Turandot is a beautiful and powerful princess, who challenges her many suitors to answer three riddles on pain of death. No one has ever succeeded.
Calàf is a brave prince from a foreign land, who falls instantly in love with the princess. Despite the wishes of his exiled father and the pleas of a slave-girl who loves him, he rings the gong and declares his love for the princess.
She presents her riddles, and in triumph, the unknown prince answers. Turandot despairs and the prince takes pity — offering the ice-cold princess a riddle of his own. But Calàf’s riddle risks more than his own life — everyone else’s hangs in the balance.
