Andrei Șerban’s production returns to the Royal Opera House from the 19th March.
From the 19th March until the 19th April, audiences will be able to experience Andrei Șerban’s production of Turandot when it returns to The Royal Opera House.
First staged in 1984, the production which has remained a favourite at the venue, draws on Chinese and Italian theatrical tradition to evoke a richly imagined, mythical Peking, in a dazzling spectacle of colour, drama, and dance.
The beautiful but icy Princess Turandot will only marry a man who can correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are brutally beheaded. But when an unknown prince arrives, the balance of power in Turandot’s court is forever shaken, as the mysterious stranger does what no other has been able to.
This production of Puccini’s opera grew out of the collaboration between director Șerban and his designer, the late Sally Jacobs. Șerban’s interpretation was rooted in the 1762 play by Italian playwright Carlo Gozzi, upon which Puccini based his opera. For his play, Gozzi recast the ancient tale – originally from Persia – as a fable set in an ancient, legendary China.
This revival of the production is directed by Jack Furness who is joined by the original choreographer Kate Flatt. Acclaimed soprano Sondra Radvanovsky performs as the icy Princess Turandot in the first cast, with Ewa Płonka taking on the role from 12 April onwards. SeokJong Baek and Gwyn Hughes Jones share the role of Calaf, and the role of Liù will be performed by Anna Princeva and Gemma Summerfield.
Rafael Payare returns to conduct the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House after his debut in 2023, sharing the run with Francesco Ivan Ciampa.
In addition, it was confirmed that the opera will be live streamed into cinemas on the 1st April, with encore screenings happening from the 6th April.
To book tickets, click here.