Two special performances are on their way to entertain the eyes and ears of theater-goers in Daegu.

First off, there's a new version of the world-famous opera “Gianni Schicchi,” this time with added theater elements.



“Gianni Schicchi” is the final part of “Il trittico,” Puccini’s collection of three one-act operas, following the first act, “Il tabarro,” and the second act, “Suor Angelica.” As predicted in the title, “Il trittico,” which refers to a triptych (祭壇畵), Puccini tells the story of “death” unfolding in three parts.

The story goes as follows. In 1299, as Buoso Donati, a wealthy old man, passes away, his family and relatives flock to his funeral, mourning his death. Behind their exaggerated sadness and sorrow lies an ulterior motive: to get their hands on Donati's wealth. Combing through his house, they stumble upon his will. The will says that his last wish is that his entire fortune go to a monastery as a donation.

They come up with a plan to forge the will. While they are looking for someone to do the deed for them, a man named Gianni Schicchi arrives. He joins their scheme to gain some of Buoso’s wealth himself, as he is in need of money to spend on his daughter’s wedding.

In the show, the cast will change from opera singers to actors and actresses, as the operatic scenes with songs lead into theatrical ones, maintaining the same artistic quality in both the singing and acting scenes.

The highlight of the show is the performers' arias, including “Oh, My Dear Papa,” sung by Lauretta, the daughter of Schicchi, and, “Firenze Like a Flowery Tree,” sung by her loved one, Rinuccio.

“The production eases the complexity of the original opera with light, loose theatrical elements, while we keep intact the artistic value of the classical songs and the lyrics in them at the same time,” said director Kim Eun-hwan.

“Gianni Schicchi” will run between May 29 and 30 at the Daegu Opera House.



Also on a Daegu stage, 33 cats will invite fans to come witness their outstanding dancing and singing. The world-renowned and long-running musical “Cats” features a variety of feline singers and dancers telling their own life story and displaying a range of emotions: from happiness to anger and sorrow. The stories they share on stage evoke sympathy from the spectators in the seats, giving them fun and teaching a lesson, too.

The London creative team and cast will bring to life the cats’ stories this time. The performers, wearing cat-like makeup and tight-fitting outfits, will revive their signature feline moves, flexible and sometimes sensuous, for three hours.

"Cats" will take place from May 29 to 31 at the Keimyung Art Center in Daegu.

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: the Design Noble, the POWER Entertainment
jiae5853@korea.kr