Turandot @ New Town Theatre

Turandot, the opera, follows the tale of a Chinese princess who has a reputation for being cold. In a grand tradition of emotionally intense operas, it is a passionate tale of one man's attempt to win a distant beloved. Its convoluted plot makes sense if you know your operas. Think of the greats: Aida, Nabucco, Tosca, Madama Butterfly.

All these librettos share the element of the ultimate inevitable sacrifice: the death of the innocent, whether by suicide or murder. In Turandot, the sacrifice is Liu, the compassionate slave girl who dominates the action, yet does not dictate it as the princess does. 

This is Puccini's last opera, famous for being unfinished. It carries a certain notoriety, even more pronounced in this particular production. This show combines a choir, live voice-over and the use of sign language by actors to give an incredibly haunting quality to this already harrowing tale. 

Making use of Puccini's letters as well as the libretto, neTTheatre places the opera alongside the events occurring in Puccini's life at the time. During his last few months, he's writing an opera, he is accused of adultery and a cancer grows in his throat. In one scene, the aria 'Nessun Dorma' is performed as a drinking song, while Puccini literally wrestles with his muse over lyrics.

Some of you will hate Turandot, and even walk out; others will be drawn to it like moths to a flame. 

Flashing between opera and Puccini's real life, the barrier between the composer and the work dissolves. This offers up the terrifying concept that Art reflects the emotional state of its creator. Must one then suffer in life to create Art that will move boulders to tears?