Italian director to bring classic Gounod opera to the stage

Poda, who is known for being one-man band in the opera world, adapted Gounod's opera, Faust, for the Teatro Regio of Torino, Italy, in 2015-a coproduction of Israeli Opera of Tel Aviv and the Opera of Lausanne.

His other opera productions include Giacomo Puccini's Turandot in 2018 and Thais by French composer Jules Massenet in 2008.

The Beijing shows, however, are the first time that Poda has worked with the NCPA.

The show is set against a stark white stage except for the scenes in the garden, church and ballroom, which offer more visual variety through the use of multiple rings and frames.

For his costume design, Poda brings in varied and eccentric dresses featuring red and black, adding that "each costume speaks for the role's personality and destiny".

In the final scene of the opera, where the two lovers die, Poda borrows the yin and yang theory from traditional Chinese culture, which symbolizes the ultimate and eternal love between Romeo and Juliet.

For the Beijing shows, French opera conductor Patrick Fournillier will return to the NCPA to perform with the China NCPA Orchestra and the China NCPA Chorus.