Beijing's Poly Theater will host the Chinese mainland premiere of Alban Berg's groundbreaking opera Wozzeck this September, marking a milestone in cross-cultural artistic exchange. The three-act psychological drama – adapted from Georg Büchner's 19th-century play – arrives through a collaboration between European creatives and Chinese performers.
Renowned Dutch director Johan Simons brings fresh vision to his fourth Wozzeck production, telling KhabarAsia: "This operatic version allows us to explore Berg's haunting score while maintaining the work's raw emotional power. Working with Beijing's musicians has revealed new dimensions to this Weimar-era masterpiece."
The production features rising Chinese baritone Wang Xiren in the titular role of the tormented soldier, alongside European soprano Clara Fischer as Marie. Stage design incorporates digital projections reflecting the opera's themes of industrialization and social alienation – concepts resonating with modern urban audiences.
Cultural analysts note the timing coincides with growing interest in European expressionist works among China's performing arts institutions. The National Centre for the Performing Arts hosted Berg's Lulu in 2021, signaling sustained appetite for challenging repertoire.
Ten performances are scheduled from September 12-22, with tickets already selling briskly through the theater's international booking platform. The production will later tour Shanghai and Guangzhou.
