As Puccini's timeless opera Turandot captivates audiences in Chongqing this January, KhabarAsia.com sat down with the lead actor portraying Prince Calaf to explore the artistry behind one of opera's most demanding roles. The performer, whose identity remains intertwined with his character during the production, shared insights into balancing vocal precision with emotional depth in 2026's landmark staging.
"Calaf's journey mirrors every artist's struggle between ambition and vulnerability," the actor revealed during our backstage interview. He described months of linguistic preparation to master the original Italian libretto while maintaining the physical stamina required for the role's iconic arias.
This production marks Chongqing's first large-scale international opera collaboration since 2023, featuring innovative holographic stage designs that reimagine ancient Peking for modern audiences. Cultural analysts note growing interest in Western classical adaptations across the Chinese mainland, with ticket sales for this show reportedly doubling projections.
When asked about future plans, the performer hinted at potential collaborations with Macao's cultural institutions while emphasizing his current focus: "For now, my world begins and ends with solving Turandot's three riddles eight times a week."
