Nixon in China

A title like Nixon in China for an opera could only be interpreted in 1987 as an intriguing gag or a daring gesture of militant postmodernism. Nonetheless, the grammatical structure of this title, with innumerable precedents from the opera seria tradition –Achille in Sciro– and buffa –Il turco in Italia–, tel us that we have an opera solidly rooted in the history of the genre here.  That is to say: arias, ensembles, concertantes, choruses and even ballets. Far from being forgotten, Nixon in China has been seen on stage without interruption from the moment of its premiere until now, with performances of singing legends such as June Anderson or Sumi Jo.

With staging inspired by the Maoist ballet Red Detachment of Women, the libretto by Alice Goodman recreates the historic meeting of the President of the United States with the Great Helmsman, Mao Zedong, in February 1972. Making use of extensive iconography from the Richard Nixon Foundation and the Richard Nixon Museum, this production by John Fulljames (Street Scene at the Teatro Real in 2018) immerses the audience in this original reflection about culture shock, the exercising - and loneliness -.  of power, and its authoritarian repercussions.