The year of 2024 marks the 700th anniversary of the passing of Marco Polo, an illustrious traveler who had bridged the two ends of Eurasia with his footsteps. On May 3rd-4th, Guangzhou Opera House will bring the original opera “Marco Polo” back to the stage, ready to be a smash hit with the audience.
Seven centuries ago, a young Venetian merchant and explorer set off on a trailblazing journey along the ancient Silk Road and finally reached China in Yuan dynasty. His narration of the adventure in the East, along with his name—Marco Polo, had ever since been known as the symbols of the trade and cultural exchange, inspiring numerous art works. “Marco Polo”, the original opera commissioned by Guangzhou Opera House is such a work.
Overwhelming success of “Marco Polo”
Ever since its debut in 2018, “Marco Polo” has won over the hearts of critics and audiences. The Financial Times gave it a four-star review.Musical Americalisted it as the top 10 music events in China for 2018. ItalianGBOPERApraised it as the most deserving new production to be promoted. In 2019, “Marco Polo” returned to where the story began and was played at the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, Italy. "Conspiracy, war, the tragedy of love, especially the multimedia design of Luke Halls and the costume design of Emma Ryott are even more amazing. Such a big hand is rare on the opera stage," Genoa24 remarked.
Magic combination of Western and Chinese Cultures
The success of “Marco Polo” lies in its perfect combination of Western and Chinese elements. “Marco Polo” revives the story of the Italian traveler through the invention of his experience in China, especially his romance with a Chinese woman and their struggle in the conflict of two warring ruling powers, Song and Yuan dynasties. The soul-stirring love and hate of such a Romeo-Juliet couple in the mediaeval China was performed in magic harmony between the rhythmic lyrics by Chinese poet Wei Jin and the romantic melodies set by German composer, Enjott Schneider.
A star-studded back-up team
The retelling of Marco Polo's story in 2024 was backed up by a professional team consisting of international talents. That includes a group of high-profile Chinese singers led by the Marco Polo actor Wang Kai and a production team featuring award-winning British video designer Luke Halls, lighting designer Bruno Poet, costume designer Emma Ryott, as well as the Macao Orchestra.
From left to right: Marco Polo Actor Wang Kai, Video Designer Luke Halls, Lighting Designer Bruno Poet, Costume Designer Emma Ryott
Having been told many times though, the upcoming story of “Marco Polo” is ready to bring a brand-new experience to the audience during the May Day holiday in Guangzhou, a city known for being the frontier of China's opening-up to the world.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Editors | Steven, Abby, James, Nan
Poster | Mia, Chen Siyuan
Photos provided to GDToday
