Turandot Flamboyant Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour Set to Screen in the UK

Turandot; The Puccini classic, the final opera from one of the greats - CinemaLive are pleased to announce that over 300 cinemas in the UK will screen Opera Australia's magnificent production of Turandot - Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour on Thursday 15th September for one night only; Giving UK cinema audiences a unique chance to see this spectacular production of one of the world's most famous operas from the other side of the world.

Created especially for the acclaimed Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour's jaw-dropping outdoor water-stage performance, director Chen Shi-Zheng brings a unique perspective to the classic story about Turandot, the beautiful and powerful princess, who challenges her many suitors to answer three riddles on pain of death.

Puccini's Turandot is one of the greatest operas ever written: Brilliant melodies for music-lovers, a gripping story for those that need action and drama, an exotic setting and plenty of movement for lovers of stagecraft and visual splendor. Not forgetting an incredible version of Nessun Dorma performed by Italian tenor, Riccardo Massi.

"Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has now completed its fifth production, and it continues to go from strength to strength. Turandot is the biggest production we've ever done and it was an absolute thrill to experience." said Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of Opera Australia.

As one of the four most important outdoor opera events in the world, audiences will delight in seeing the power and drama of Turandot on the big screen. Riccardo Massi's rendition of Nessun Dorma does not disappoint."

With a cast of seventy-eight, designer Dan Potra has created magnificent costumes as well as a stunning set for the spectacular harbour backdrop, including a 60-meter fire-breathing dragon, with a tail that morphs into the Great Wall, and a shimmering pagoda that stands 18 meters tall.

Steering away from traditional Chinese tropes, the director presents a China that is sleek and modern, with set elements and costumes that reflect the spirit of today. The production also features 187 hats and headdresses, 46 wigs and 30 sets of facial hair!

Expect bold, dramatic, bright shapes and a set that will take your breath away.

Run time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute interval

Performed in Italian with English translations

CinemaLive release Opera Australia's productions into cinemas worldwide, including throughout Europe, Russia, USA, Canada, Latin America, Asia and Oceania. Previous productions distributed to cinemas include 2015's Aida and 2014's Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour.

For all participating cinemas and to book tickets visit www.turandotonsydneyharbour.com

The Story

Turandot is a beautiful and powerful princess, who challenges her many suitors to answer three riddles on pain of death. No one has ever succeeded.

Caláf is a brave prince from a foreign land, who falls instantly in love with the princess.

Despite the wishes of his exiled father and the pleas of a slave-girl who loves him, he rings the gong and declares his love for the princess.

She presents her riddles, and in triumph, the unknown prince answers. Turandot despairs and the prince takes pity - offering the ice-cold princess a riddle of his own. But Caláf's riddle risks more than his own life - everyone else's hangs in the balance.

CAST & CREATIVE

CONDUCTOR - Brian Castles-Onion

DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER - Chen Shi-Zheng

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER - Dan Potra

LIGHTING DESIGNER - Scott Zielinski

VIDEO DESIGNER - Leigh Sachwitz

Sound Designer - Tony David Cray

SITE DESIGNER - Adrienn Lord

TURANDOT - Dragana Radakovic

CALÀF - Riccardo Massi

LIÙ - Hyeseoung Kwon

TIMUR - Conal Coad

PONG - John Longmuir

PANG - Benjamin Rasheed

PING - Luke Gabbedy

EMPEROR - David Lewis

MANDARIN - Gennadi Dubinsky

PRINCE OF PERSIA - Jin Tea Kim

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