The year 2024 marks both the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy and the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death.
On May 3rd and 4th, the original opera "Marco Polo" returned to the Guangzhou Opera House, bringing Marco Polo's story back to life on stage. The atmosphere is electric with continuous applause from the audience.
To recapture the magic of "Marco Polo," this revival is directed by Shi Jingfu from the China National Opera House, and conducted by Qian Junping, a rising international star conductor. The cast also invites popular and talented singers. Such a massive ensemble of nearly 200 performers brings the stunning epic "Marco Polo" back to life on stage.
During the performances, an exhibition of Marco Polo-related intangible cultural heritage is held in the lobby of the Guangzhou Opera House. The exhibition features over 30 pieces of "Kwon-glazed porcelain" and "Cantonese embroidery" arts, tracing Marco Polo’s footsteps and showcasing the ancient friendship and cultural exchanges along the millennia-old trade routes. This allows the audience to experience the beauty of cultural communication and exchange beyond the captivating performance.
Having been staged in Italy, the birthplace of opera, and receiving acclaim from local media and audiences, "Marco Polo" is a grand production with visually stunning stagecraft. The stage features nearly 20 projection scrolls and a rotating turntable measuring 14 meters in diameter and reaching a height of 6 meters. As the plot unfolds, the turntable and scrolls dynamically adjust to display different scenes and historical transitions, effectively conveying the shifts in space and time and the fates of characters throughout history.
Exquisite costumes are another highlight of "Marco Polo". Emma Ryott, a British costume designer, created over 360 different outfits using 1,800 pieces of fabric and accessories. During the revival, actors wear costumes with the characteristics of Samarkand, Yuan Dadu, Hangzhou, and Genoa, greatly bringing the rich historical atmosphere of the 13th century to life.
Notably, the beautifully crafted lyrics, which express appreciation for peace and love, resonates deeply with the audience, enhancing the emotional impact of the performance.
