In commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the passing of the legendary Italian explorer Marco Polo and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, the Guangzhou Opera House has restaged the original opera "Marco Polo." On May 2nd, Julie, a student from the Solomon Islands studying at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, attended the dress rehearsal of the opera "Marco Polo" at the invitation of the "I See China" project by the Yangcheng Evening News for international communication.
Prior to watching the rehearsal, Julie, unfamiliar with Marco Polo and his story, found her curiosity piqued. This figure, renowned in both China and Europe, intrigued her. After viewing the entire rehearsal, Julie remarked, "I now have a better understanding of Marco Polo. To expand his family's business, he, together with his father and his uncle, stayed in China for 17 years, and upon returning to Italy, he narrated his experiences in China, deepening Europeans' understanding of China and igniting their longing for this Eastern country."
In the opera "Marco Polo," names of Chinese historical figures such as Xin Qiji and Wen Tianxiang frequently appeared. Julie used a search engine to learn more about them. One particular stanza from Wen Tianxiang deeply moved her: "No invasion is caused by envy, no fighting incited by greed. People love their homeland, also treasure others. Have hope for a better future and allow others to have it too." Julie commented that this opera conveys people's yearning for peace.
The opera "Marco Polo" will be performed at the Guangzhou Opera House at 7:30 pm on both tonight (May 3rd) and tomorrow night (May 4th).
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
