Arena di Verona's 'Turandot' to bring 1,000 staff from Italy for Korea debut

One of Italy’s greatest opera blockbusters written by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) is making its first overseas outing in a century to Korea.

A scene from the Arena di Verona's original production of the opera “Turandot” [ARENA DI VERONA]

One of Italy’s greatest opera blockbusters written by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) is making its first overseas outing in a century to Korea.

The Arena di Verona's original production of “Turandot” is bringing its entire stage setting, costumes, production crew and cast exactly to the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul from Oct. 12 to 19, for eight shows.

The Arena di Verona is a venue for large-scale opera performances in Verona, Italy.

“Turandot” follows the titular princess of ancient China, who seeks a man who can win her hand in marriage. The decision is based on whoever answers three riddles correctly, but any wrong answers will result in the suitor’s execution.

Prince Calaf succeeds in the quest, but Turandot initially turns down his proposal. He then challenges her to guess his name, to which she fails, and eventually the pair get married.

The opera will be conducted by Daniel Oren. Sopranos Olga Maslova, Oksana Dyka and Jeon Yea-jin will alternate the role of Turandot, and Calaf will be played by tenors Martin Muehle and Arturo Chacon Cruz. Other featured cast members are Mariangela Sicillia, Piero Giuliacci, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Elia Fabbian and Riccardo Rados.

The scale of “Turandot” is so large that there are about 1,000 staff members and performers flying in from Italy for the upcoming Korean show.

From left: Michela Linda Magri, director of the Italian Cultural Center in Korea; Emilia Gatto, Italian Ambassador to Korea; Lee So-young, director of the Sol Opera Company; Stefano Trespidi, opera stage director; and soprano Jeon Yea-jin pose during a press conference for the Arena di Verona's original production of ″Turandot″ in central Seoul on Thursday. [YONHAP]

“Turandot” is Puccini’s final work and the Arena di Verona production was recreated by Italian director Franco Zeffirelli (1923-2019). This version was able to come to Korea with the help of the Sol Opera Company.

“The only thing that Zeffirelli did not do was the acting. He was involved in every single detail in the show: the script, scenes and artistry,” Stefano Trespidi, an opera stage director for “Turandot,” said during a press conference on Thursday.

This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of Puccini's death. It is also the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy, so the premiere of “Turandot” in Korea will prove to be a feat for the Italian Embassy in Korea.

Michela Linda Magri, director of the Italian Cultural Center in Korea, said she took a taxi to the press conference and noticed that the taxi driver was listening to an opera piece.

“I asked him why, and he said that opera made him feel peaceful,” Magri said. “No matter where we are in the world, all humans feel the same emotions. I am positive that ‘Turandot’ will touch everyone’s hearts as well.”

Tickets for “Turandot” range from 50,000 won ($37) to 550,000 won and can be purchased on Interpark Ticket.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]