Stefan Solyom conducts his first Turandot in Toulouse

Stefan Solyom is conducting his first Turandot in the Toulouse Théâtre du Capitole.

This extremely dark and macabre production evidences the ability of old stories to tell modern tales - wonderful (although at times, difficult) to watch. Now, this might not be a conventional reading, granted, but Calixto Bieito always gives a reading that is based on an interpretation of the work.  In the case of this particular Turandot his vision is totally convincing.  In this particular staging, the work is based in a doll factory which could be anywhere in a totalitarian state. This is not a production for anyone expecting feel-good chinoiserie. Rather it is one that challenges and fascinates in equal measure.  Bieito’s Turandot is a gripping study in how violence and intimidation are used to control. It is an exceptional piece of theatre that no serious opera lover should miss. 

Puccini's opera will be sung by Elisabete Matos, Alfred Kim, Eri Nakamura, Luca Lombardo, In-Sung Sim, Gezim Myshketa, Gregory Bonfatti, Paul Kaufmann. 

A co-production with the Staatstheater Nuremberg and the Northern Ireland Opera, Belfast, the production opens on Friday, 18 June and ends on the 30th.