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Royal Opera Revives Turandot: A Timeless Tale of Power

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Royal Opera presents Andrei Serban’s Turandot, first staged in 1984, now in its 19th revival, with the 295th performance scheduled for December 18.
It explores love, power, and loyalty in a fantastical imperial China.
The opera faced a ban in China until 1998 because of perceived negative portrayals.
The current cast includes Anna Netrebko as Turandot and Yusif Eyvazov as Calaf.
The Royal Opera House runs Turandot until February 4, 2026.

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Story summary

The Royal Opera presents Andrei Serban’s Turandot, first staged in 1984, now in its 19th revival, with the 295th performance scheduled for December 18.
It explores love, power, and loyalty in a fantastical imperial China.
The opera faced a ban in China until 1998 because of perceived negative portrayals.
The current cast includes Anna Netrebko as Turandot and Yusif Eyvazov as Calaf.
The Royal Opera House runs Turandot until February 4, 2026.