Zhang Jiachun, who plays the role of Gretchen, prepares backstage during the performance of experimental Peking opera "Faust" in Wiesbaden, west Germany, May 15, 2017. Experimental Peking opera "Faust" was staged Monday evening in Wiesbaden, starting its 15-day tour in Germany. (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)
Experimental Peking opera "Faust" was staged Monday evening in the western city of Wiesbaden, starting its premiere tour in Germany.
Co-produced by China National Peking Opera Company and Italy's Emilia Romagna Theater Foundation, the play was performed as part of the International May Festival, a world-known traditional theater festival.
The story was based on a breakthrough adaptation of the Western masterpiece "Faust," written by Johann Wolfgang Goethe more than 200 years ago. The play combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics.
Since its debut in 2015, the opera has been staged over 70 times,triggering warm responses from audience as it offers a creative blend of Western classic with oriental culture as well as presents a perfect cooperation between Chinese artists and performers from Italy and Germany.
"We have come to the homeland of 'Faust' to examine our three years' efforts," said Xu Mengke, co-director of the opera.
"It was a great performance during which I was touched by the actors' and actresses' deep emotion," a German audience told Xinhua after the play, adding that he could well understand the performers' body language although the Chinese dialogue was difficult to catch.
The opera has been added to this year's German-Chinese cultural program, a national event in Germany featuring the theme "China Today" to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The play will be staged in other cities including Duisburg, Kassel and Saarlouis till the end of May.
