(c) stock.adobe.com Turandot at Sydney Opera House
Sydney, Sydney Opera House — Joan Sutherland Theatre
About the Event
Turandot is set in an exotic world where fear and love go hand in hand, and death is always just around the corner. Nessun dorma is just one of its magnificent moments.
Turandot is Puccini's last opera, unfinished at the time of his death in 1924. The opera was completed by Franco Alfano, using Puccini’s sketches and drafts, although other versions are sometimes performed. As with 'Madama Butterfly', the composer explores Oriental tonality, both music and plot reflecting an enduring interest in exoticism that gripped Western Europe in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The plot is based on the story of the cold, hard‐hearted Princess Turandot from the Persian 'Book of One Thousand and One Days'. The tragic story of love and loss premiered in Milan in 1926, where the opera was shown in its unfinished version in honour of its composer.
Act 1
The Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The Princess Turandot, a woman of great beauty, but whose heart is cold as ice, sets her suitors three riddles. Failure to answer correctly comes with the penalty of death. The execution of a failed prince stirs the blood of the crowd. Among the crowd stands a vanquished king of Tartary, Timur. The old king meets his long‐lost son, Prince Calaf, once again. Calaf falls in love with Turandot at first sight, and swears he will answer her three riddles. Timur’s slave girl, Liu, attempts to stop his reckless resolve, but his determination strengthens.
Act 2
Turandot appears, and begins to ask Calaf her three riddles, and Calaf successfully answers. Turandot is furious, and refuses to marry him. Calaf offers an exchange — if Turandot can learn his name by dawn, he will forfeit his life.
Act 3
Turandot orders that no‐one may sleep until someone learns the mysterious prince's name. Liu is captured and tortured. Turandot asks Liu why she is refusing to give up his name. Liu answers that her love for Calaf gives her strength, and takes her own life.
Turandot remains alone to confront Calaf. Calaf gives away his own name. At the break of dawn, Turandot proclaims her victory. She announces to the crowd “His name is Love”. Turandot and Calaf are married.
Practical Information
Language:
Performed in Italian with English surtitles.
Please note:
This production contains adult themes.
Program
- Giacomo Puccini – Turandot
Cast / Production
TURANDOT
Rebecca Nash (15 Jan–10 Feb)
Anna‐Louise Cole (13 Feb–27 Mar)
CALAF
Young Woo Kim (15 Jan–10 Feb)
Diego Torre (13 Feb–16 Mar)
Rosario La Spina (21–27 Mar)
LIÙ
Maria Teresa Leva (15 Jan–10 Feb)
Jennifer Black (13 Feb–27 Mar)
TIMUR
Richard Anderson
THE ADMINISTRATION
Luke Gabbedy (15 Jan–2 Feb)
Andrew Moran (5 Feb–27 Mar)
Michael Petruccelli (15 Jan–10 Feb)
Virgilio Marino (13 Feb–27 Mar)
John Longmuir (15 Jan–10 Feb)
Iain Henderson (13 Feb–27 Mar)
MANDARIN
Shane Lowrencev
EMPEROR
Gregory Brown
HANDMAIDEN
Annabelle Chaffey
Leah Thomas
Opera Australia Orchestra
Opera Australia Chorus
Opera Australia Children’s Chorus
Opera Australia Dancers
Address
Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, Australia — Google Maps
