Revitalized “Marco Polo” Opera Celebrates Sino-Italian Ties at Guangzhou Opera House

On May 3rd and 4th, the Guangzhou Opera House welcomed nearly 200 international guests for the revival of the opera “Marco Polo”. This three-act opera in Chinese melds a rich historical narrative with the enduring friendship between China and Italy, providing a unique cultural experience for both Chinese and international audiences.

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On-site of the performance (Photo: Business Wire)

Marco Polo, the renowned 13th-century Italian explorer, chronicled his travels in China in book "The Travels of Marco Polo", igniting the first "China fever" in the West. The opera exemplifies East-West collaboration, integrating Chinese and Western cultural elements seamlessly. Premiered in 2018 at the same venue, the production featured a globally diverse team, with Chinese poet Wei Jin as scriptwriter and Enjott Schneider, President of the German Composers Association DKV, as composer. Directed by Kasper Holten, former Director of Opera at the Royal Opera House in London, the opera has toured from Quanzhou to Italy, earning international praise. This revival marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 700th death anniversary of Marco Polo.

The opera, revived by Shi Jingfu of the China National Opera House, has deeply resonated with audiences. Gianluca Zoppa, an Italian creative based in Guangdong, commended the opera for bridging aesthetic and cultural divides. Audiences, including the Chinese spectator Tracy and her Venezuelan boyfriend Rei, found personal and cultural resonance in the narrative, which portrays a dynastic change through the romantic story of Marco Polo and Chuan Yun, highlighting broader themes of cultural integration.

The prelude event, titled “Sharing Salon to An Encounter with Marco Polo”, held on May 4th at the Guangzhou Opera House, drew nearly 200 delegates from 29 countries, including representatives from consulates and chambers of commerce, to engage in discussions on Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. The salon featured “Marco Polo's Reverie” by Italian painter Sandro Trotti and works by Guangdong artist Wang Shaoqiang, who is participating in La Biennale di Venezia. Discussions highlighted Marco Polo's impact and the broader scope of China-Italy cooperation.

“The extensive histories and cultural heritages of China and Italy enrich our cooperation, strengthening the bonds between our peoples,” noted Mr. Valerio De Parolis, Italian Consul General in Guangzhou.

Guangdong remains a key center for East-West trade and cultural exchanges, strategically located on the historic Maritime Silk Road.

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