Ai Weiwei’s Radical Opera Production ‘Turandot’ Lands Sales Deal

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Maxim Derevianko’s documentary “Ai Weiwei’s Turandot” has been acquired by Rise and Shine World Sales, a Berlin-based distributor of documentaries. This film is set to have its international debut on March 21 in the Highlights section of the CPH:DOX festival in Copenhagen. The documentary chronicles Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he embarks on his first opera director role at the Rome Opera House, where he presents a groundbreaking adaptation of Puccini’s classic opera.

In addition to showcasing “Ai Weiwei’s Turandot,” Ai Weiwei will also unveil his newest directorial work, titled “Animality,” at CPH:DOX. This documentary will make its first appearance globally on March 21, and will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the artist himself.

In a fictional Beijing setting, the opera “Turandot” has faced criticism for its exotic depictions and was once prohibited within China. However, Ai’s innovative production reinterprets this classic work as a potent commentary on modern concerns, incorporating themes like warfare, refugee predicaments, and pandemics. The staging and costumes reflect his distinctive style.

In the beginning of working on ‘Turandot’, I concentrated on finding a modern-day interpretation of this old tale that feels relevant. As I dug deeper, I discovered that the narrative encompasses several deep themes. Fundamentally, it revolves around an ancient Chinese princess, who is both beautiful and merciless. The character seeking her love is a foreigner, originally from Persia. Throughout the production, there’s a continuous tension between optimism and despair, self-sacrifice and potential, faith and deception.

He went on to explain: “I blended this timeless story with modern-day political situations – issues like refugees, authoritarian rule, the delicate balance between love and hate, and the surrender of pure, raw feelings. It’s a tough, unforgiving piece that revolves around political choices. It also echoes themes such as the pandemic, the Hong Kong protests, and the constant fear of future conflicts.

In order for an opera to continue being meaningful and relatable to the current state of humanity, it needs to be reimagined or adapted. It’s through this process that I believe we can truly honor Puccini’s incomplete work.

The document documents the chaotic journey of bringing the opera to life, a process that commenced in 2019 but was suddenly paused in March 2020 as Italy enforced a lockdown. It wasn’t until two years later that the performance made its first appearance on stage.

This piece includes interviews with significant figures involved in AI’s adaptation of “Turandot,” such as longtime companion and choreographer Chiang Ching, along with Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv who used the platform to voice her opposition towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which had commenced a month prior.

Production of the film titled ‘Ai Weiwei’s Turandot’ is shared by Marta Zaccaron from Incipit Film and Christine La Monte. The project is overseen by long-term collaborator of Ai Weiwei, Andy Cohen, who serves as the producer, while Julian Lennon takes on the role of executive producer.

Journeying Across the Globe” explores the intricate bond between mankind and nature, provoking thoughts about our connection with the animal kingdom.

AI offers a stark perspective on the intricate, frequently abusive interactions between humans and animals, documenting genuine, unstaged instances: Men in uniform in China brutally striking street dogs with sticks, camels in Egypt subjected to restraint and coercion, ranchers in Brazil accelerating Amazon destruction for livestock expansion, and mink in Denmark being euthanized in portable gas chambers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of making direct moral assessments, the movie invites contemplation about mankind’s control over nature and the complex moral issues that arise from our encounters with other living beings.

I informed EbMaster that the document is a logical follow-up to his past films “Calico Cat” and “Human Flow.” He expressed, “This new film represents the conclusion of my ongoing investigation into how humans worldwide interact with animals – fellow creatures who inhabit this earth alongside us.

In this movie, the manner animals are portrayed highlights how our lack of knowledge, overconfidence, and disregard for the consequences of our actions, varies among cultures, yet consistently results in a tragic outcome: We’ve come to rule the planet, but at the expense of other living beings.

In my perspective as a film enthusiast, CPH:DOX solidifies its position as an extraordinary stage where art and activism intertwine, fostering worldwide discourse on human rights and societal transformation. By featuring Ai’s work, it continues to be a beacon for thought-provoking conversations that resonate globally.

I’ll be part of a discussion focusing on human rights, the main topic of the festival, further emphasizing my ongoing dedication to free speech. Following his 2011 detention and imprisonment, Ai moved from China to Europe in 2015, where he now resides and continues his work.

The festival kicks off today in Copenhagen and runs through March 30.

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2025-03-19 10:50