China invests in hi-definition opera movies
China's National Centre for the Performing Arts is embracing opera and the digital revolution in a big way, write Xu Donghuan and Sam Olluver
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing is an institution in a hurry. Opened in 2007, the centre was initially better known for a slew of controversy: the design of its futuristic egg-shaped building by architect Paul Andreu, delayed completion and huge construction and maintenance bills.
Since then, however, the centre, also known as the National Grand Theatre, has set off on an ambitious programme to develop a repertoire that would position it as the premiere cultural centre in the country. Its catalogue now includes 35 productions in art forms ranging from drama to dance theatre, but it is opera that dominates.
When people in the West are worried about the ageing of opera attendees, it is the opposite in China
Opera accounts for nearly three quarters of the NCPA repertoire with 26 productions, encompassing Western classical and Peking opera. And in the wake of a high-definition production boom in performing arts in the West, it's even venturing into making high-definition opera movies.
Compared to established opera houses in the West, which might have several hundred productions in stock, the NCPA repertoire might not be something to be proud of, director of productions Wei Lanfen says. All the same, she takes quiet satisfaction in the progress they have made.
"NCPA started from scratch and what we achieved in the short six years is really encouraging," she says.
Even more heartening is that "our audience is mostly in their 20s and 30s", Wei says.
"When people in the West are worried about the ageing of opera attendees, it is the opposite in China. You hardly see any white-haired people among our audience. This is something which greatly encourages the Western artists who perform here."
