Guangzhou-made opera to be held in Italy

Marco Polo, a Chinese opera based on the story of the Venetian explorer who traveled along the ancient Silk Road in the 13th century, will be held in September at the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, Italy before touring around the country. 

The opera is an original work of the Guangzhou Opera House, written by Chinese poet Wei Jin and composed by Enjott Schneider. 

Last year, the opera completed its first round of performances in Guangzhou and Beijing, winning great acclaim from audiences. In order to make the Chinese story more digestible overseas, the production team is currently preparing to update it.

A scene from the Marco Polo opera. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

Marco Polo, a cultural envoy between Italy and China, is an iconic figure. The opera added new content to the story that will allow Italian audiences to understand the historical relations between Chinese and Western civilization, according to Wei Jin. 

The year 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. The opera will celebrate the anniversary and boost people-to-people ties between Italy and Guangzhou, which has friendly relations with Italian cities such as Milan, Genoa, and Padova.

A special 3D opera stage designed by Luke Halls, a famous British designer. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

Singers from Belgium, Demark, and the UK rehearse the opera. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]