Shanghai takes classic opera into new space

This version of the opera aims to introduce the art form to new audiences in Shanghai, says Zhang.

"This is the first time we have taken the show outdoors," she says. "We hope to keep up the efforts to present performances in different and alternative spaces. Maybe an opera, concert, or an educational project. We hope to take art into different contexts and dimensions, and hope to keep the attention of the public."

The Staatsoper Hamburg production was created as a modern version of the opera, with video projection featuring Hamburg landscapes such as the Elbphilharmonie.

"When SGT spoke to the Staatsoper Hamburg about bringing the work to Shanghai, we suggested doing the production outdoors and using the SGT building as part of the background. The idea won the support of our colleagues from Hamburg," she says.

Nathan Brock conducted the Shanghai Opera House orchestra for the production. And during the preparation and the rehearsals, Brock says he often saw people stopping to listen.

"For an artist, there is nothing more touching than having people just passing by attracted by the music," he says.

It rained most of the day in Shanghai on Aug 25, but cleared up in the evening.

The show took place in cool breeze over two consecutive nights.

Beside the audience each night, and hundreds of thousands watching the live stream on TV, the performances attracted lots of passers-by, who watched the show from People's Avenue.