Opera features cross-border love

Shanghai and Budapest artists have teamed up to retell a romantic tale between a Chinese man and European woman in Franz Lehar’s operetta “Das Land des Lachelns” (The Land of Smiles) at Budapest Palace of the Arts on February 1 and 2. 

The new co-production, by Shanghai Opera house and Budapest Palace of the arts, premiered in Shanghai last November. The performance in Hungary features German tenor Vincent Schirrmacher and armenian soprano Karine Babajanyan, while Shanghai Opera house President Xu Zhong will conduct the show. “it is the second time for us to collaborate with the Shanghai Opera house. Our first co-production of Attila in 2013 was quite successful,” said Csaba Kael, CEO of the Budapest Palace of arts, who is also the director of “The Land of Smiles.”

“Xu is not only a good conductor and pianist, but he also has good views in the management and development of opera houses. We share a lot of common views in cultural exchanges, which paved the way for our collaboration this time，”said Kael.

The story is about love, naturally, and the thrilling relationship between the countess, Lisa Lichtenfels, and the Chinese ambassador, Prince Sou-Chong. To help portray the story more vividly in a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Chinese background, delicate shadow-play and court dances, as well as traditional Chinese costumes and architecture, were carefully added by both sides’ creative teams. There was a Chinese prince in history who worked as an ambassador to Vienna during the Qing Dynasty, and it is believed the Chinese Prince Sou-Chong was based on him. But the bittersweet romance, the most attractive part of the story, is all mere fiction. after falling in love with Sou, Lisa chases her lover to China. Sadly, the generous asian aristocrat eventually married a Manchu girl according to the rules of the royal house.