Andrei Serban’s production of Puccini’s Turandot, The Royal Opera ©2025
Spend Sunday afternoon with me as I attend the firstsitecolchester to watch Puccini’s Turandot- a tale of love and sacrifice.
This iconic opera, rich in emotion and drama, offers a perfect blend of romance, sacrifice, and self-discovery that resonates deeply with audiences.
Turandot follows the story of Prince Calaf whose ardent love for Princess Turandot ignited a fierce determination, compelling him to face impossible challenges and eventually succeed in winning her heart.
Ultimately, this leads her to confront her feelings and embrace love after the selfless sacrifice of Calaf’s loyal servant Liu.
Scene from Puccini’s Turandot at the Royal Opera House 2017
Liu’s unrequited love for Calaf, marked by her unwavering support and selfless sacrifice, embodies a wholesome devotion that highlights the purity and depth of her feelings, even in the face of unrequited love.
Turandot recognizes the strength of this love, which confronts her and shakes her commitment to her sacred oath of avenging Princess Lo-u-Ling’s death—an oath that has bound her in an icy shell, preventing her from loving freely.
Scene from Puccini’s Turandot at the Royal Opera House 2017
The play was incredibly engaging, featuring outstanding direction and a skilled cast that effectively brought the story to life. It was clear that much hard work went into the production, with thoughtful attention to the set design, costumes, and a lovely musical score that enriched the entire experience.
Christine Goerke & Aleksandrs Antonenko in Puccini’s Turandot (ROH 2017
As I left the theater, I couldn’t help but reflect on the themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that Turandot so beautifully encapsulated. It was a Sunday afternoon well spent, filled with artistry and emotion that lingered long after the final curtain. If you haven’t experienced this masterpiece yet, I highly recommend catching it at a theatre near you.
