‘Turandot’, against all odds: A Maltese opera triumph

Imagine this: a grand opera, set in ancient China, performed in Maltese. Sounds impossible? Not for Teatru Manoel, Malta’s national theatre. This summer, they’re staging ‘Turandot’, against all odds, in our tiny, sun-kissed island nation.

An opera in Maltese? Why not?

Teatru Manoel, nestled in the heart of Valletta’s Republic Street, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. This time, they’ve taken on Puccini’s ‘Turandot’, a tale of love and power, and translated it into Maltese. Why? To make opera accessible to everyone, says artistic director, Chris Dingli.

“We want Maltese audiences to understand every word, every emotion,” Dingli explains. “It’s not just about singing beautifully; it’s about connecting with the story, with the characters.”

Local talent shines bright

But staging an opera in Maltese isn’t the only challenge. ‘Turandot’ is a massive production, with a large cast and orchestra. Yet, Teatru Manoel is pulling it off, thanks to Malta’s wealth of local talent.

Take Maltese tenor, Joseph Zammit, who’s taking on the role of Calaf. “It’s a dream role,” he says, “and to sing it in Maltese, in my home country, it’s just incredible.” Zammit is joined by a stellar cast of Maltese singers, many of whom have honed their craft abroad and are now returning home to perform.

From Valletta to Beijing

‘Turandot’ might be set in ancient China, but its themes are universal. Love, power, sacrifice – these are stories that resonate across cultures and time. And Teatru Manoel is bringing this universal tale to life, right here in Malta.

The production is set to transform the theatre into a grand Chinese palace, complete with lavish costumes and stunning sets. And at the heart of it all, the story of Turandot, the icy princess who challenges her suitors with impossible riddles, and Calaf, the unknown prince who dares to love her.

So, will ‘Turandot’ succeed in its ambitious quest? . But one thing’s for sure: Teatru Manoel is giving it their all, proving that even in the smallest of nations, big dreams can come true.

As Dingli puts it, “We might be small, but we think big. And we’re not afraid to take on the world, one opera at a time.”

‘Turandot’ runs from July 15th to 24th at Teatru Manoel, Valletta. Tickets are available online and at the box office.