The curse of Turandot is a well-known legend associated with the opera of the same name. Turandot is an opera written by Giacomo Puccini and is based on a play by Carlo Gozzi. The opera tells the story of a Chinese princess named Turandot who challenges her suitors with three riddles and executes them if they are unable to solve them. According to the legend, while Puccini was composing the opera, he fell ill and eventually died before completing the final act. The task of completing the opera fell to Franco Alfano, another composer. However, many believe that Puccini's death was a result of the curse of Turandot.
“The film’s biggest bug is that the story is not a good story or an Eastern story. The production team just tried to add many Eastern elements to please Chinese audiences without having true soul, just like Disney’s Mulan,” he said.
Shi Wenxue, a film critic based in Beijing, told the Global Times that the poor performance of The Curse of Turandot is mainly because the story s core did not really respect the Chinese audience but tried to please moviegoers by using some Eastern elements. Next to the bodies of the king of queen Boyan finds three sacred bracelets which, unknown to him, invoked a terrible curse if united on a person s wrist.
However, many believe that Puccini's death was a result of the curse of Turandot. The curse is said to stem from the unhappy ending of the opera. In the final act, the hero, Calaf, successfully solves Turandot's riddles and wins her heart.
Sino-Cinema 《神州电影》
However, instead of embracing his victorious suitor, Turandot initially rejects him. It is only after Calaf kisses her forcefully that Turandot realizes her love for him. Some believe that this unhappy ending and the violent act of the kiss have cursed the opera. Since its premiere in 1926, Turandot has faced various difficulties and mishaps, further fueling the belief in the curse. One notable incident occurred during a production in 1957 when a fire broke out in the theater, resulting in the death of several audience members. This tragedy was seen by many as a consequence of the curse. Another famous incident attributed to the curse occurred during a performance in 2001 at the National Theatre in Prague. During the final act, the soprano playing Turandot, Gabriela Benackova, suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage. Some believed this incident to be a direct result of the curse. Despite these alleged curses, Turandot remains one of Puccini's most celebrated operas. It continues to be performed regularly around the world and has captivated audiences with its beautiful melodies and dramatic plot. The curse, whether real or imagined, lends a mysterious and haunting aura to the opera, further adding to its allure. In conclusion, the curse of Turandot is a legend associated with the opera of the same name. While some believe in the curse and associate various mishaps with it, others view it as nothing more than a theatrical superstition. Regardless, the curse has added to the mystique and popularity of Turandot, ensuring its place in the annals of opera history..
Reviews for "Turandot's reign: exploring power dynamics in opera"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was disappointed with "The Curse of Turandot" performed by Dramacoop. The production felt disjointed and lacked a clear narrative, making it difficult to follow the story. The acting was mediocre at best, with many of the actors delivering their lines without conviction. The set design was also underwhelming and failed to create a captivating atmosphere. Overall, I found this production to be underwhelming and would not recommend it.
2. David - 1/5 stars - "The Curse of Turandot" by Dramacoop was a complete waste of time. The script was confusing and nonsensical, leaving me questioning what the point of the play was. The acting was weak, with the actors seeming disinterested and lacking emotional depth. The production failed to engage me, and I struggled to stay invested throughout. I would not recommend this performance to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Curse of Turandot" performed by Dramacoop, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the play dragged on for much longer than necessary. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the costumes were lackluster and failed to capture the essence of the story. Overall, I wasn't impressed with this production and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I found "The Curse of Turandot" by Dramacoop to be a confusing and disjointed production. The plot was convoluted, and the characters lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their stories. The set design was minimalistic and uninspiring, failing to create a visually captivating experience. The acting was adequate but failed to leave a lasting impression. Overall, I left the theater feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this performance.
5. Laura - 3/5 stars - "The Curse of Turandot" performed by Dramacoop had its moments, but overall, it failed to captivate me. The storyline had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, the acting was inconsistent, with some actors delivering powerful performances while others fell flat. There were a few visually stunning moments, but they were overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the production. I wouldn't necessarily discourage others from seeing it, but I can't say it left a lasting impression on me.