Revitalized “Marco Polo” Opera Celebrates Sino-Italian Ties at Guangzhou Opera House
06 Mayo 2024 - 11:18AM
Business Wire
On May 3rd and 4th, the Guangzhou Opera House welcomed nearly
200 international guests for the revival of the opera “Marco Polo”.
This three-act opera in Chinese melds a rich historical narrative
with the enduring friendship between China and Italy, providing a
unique cultural experience for both Chinese and international
audiences.
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On-site of the performance (Photo:
Business Wire)
Marco Polo, the renowned 13th-century Italian explorer,
chronicled his travels in China in book "The Travels of Marco
Polo", igniting the first "China fever" in the West. The opera
exemplifies East-West collaboration, integrating Chinese and
Western cultural elements seamlessly. Premiered in 2018 at the same
venue, the production featured a globally diverse team, with
Chinese poet Wei Jin as scriptwriter and Enjott Schneider,
President of the German Composers Association DKV, as composer.
Directed by Kasper Holten, former Director of Opera at the Royal
Opera House in London, the opera has toured from Quanzhou to Italy,
earning international praise. This revival marks the 20th
anniversary of the China-Italy Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
and the 700th death anniversary of Marco Polo.
The opera, revived by Shi Jingfu of the China National Opera
House, has deeply resonated with audiences. Gianluca Zoppa, an
Italian creative based in Guangdong, commended the opera for
bridging aesthetic and cultural divides. Audiences, including the
Chinese spectator Tracy and her Venezuelan boyfriend Rei, found
personal and cultural resonance in the narrative, which portrays a
dynastic change through the romantic story of Marco Polo and Chuan
Yun, highlighting broader themes of cultural integration.
The prelude event, titled “Sharing Salon to An Encounter with
Marco Polo”, held on May 4th at the Guangzhou Opera House, drew
nearly 200 delegates from 29 countries, including representatives
from consulates and chambers of commerce, to engage in discussions
on Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. The salon featured “Marco
Polo's Reverie” by Italian painter Sandro Trotti and works by
Guangdong artist Wang Shaoqiang, who is participating in La
Biennale di Venezia. Discussions highlighted Marco Polo's impact
and the broader scope of China-Italy cooperation.
“The extensive histories and cultural heritages of China and
Italy enrich our cooperation, strengthening the bonds between our
peoples,” noted Mr. Valerio De Parolis, Italian Consul General in
Guangzhou.
Guangdong remains a key center for East-West trade and cultural
exchanges, strategically located on the historic Maritime Silk
Road.
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Zhang Yan Tel: 008610-68994660 E-mail: 1713543383@qq.com