Chinese director to stage 16-hour operatic masterpiece in Australia

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In a world-first international production, Richard Wagner's 16-hour masterpiece opera, "The Ring," will be staged in Australia by renowned Chinese director Chen Shi-zheng.

Opera Australia on Wednesday said the epic performance will be staged three times, with each "cycle" spanning four nights in Brisbane, capital of northeastern State of Queensland.

Chen, who now splits his time between Shanghai and New York, will be the first Chinese director to attempt the work, which is known for its intimidating length and scope.

"Creating a Ring Cycle is an extraordinary adventure, it's exhilarating, challenging, stimulating and incredibly rewarding for all those involved," Opera Australia artistic director Lyndon Terracini said.

Reflecting an emerging trend in global opera, the production will be fully digital, using giant movable LED screens and state-of-the-art lighting, relying on Chen's reputation for incorporating technology into theater.

"With 'The Ring,' as we all know, it needs to be on a grand scale," Terracini said.

"The audience (members) need to feel when they go into the theater that this (is) something extraordinary, and with this sort of technology we can do that," Terracini said.

Performances will be held in November and December of 2020.

(Top image: Performers stage Richard Wagner's "The Ring" at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 1, 2005. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency