China's Zhang Yimou to direct 'Turandot' at Bird Nest
Posted: 21 May 2009 1812 hrs

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BEIJING : Chinese film director Zhang Yimou is set to return to Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium to stage a version of the opera "Turandot", state press reported on Thursday.

The October 6-7 production which costs 100 million yuan (US$14.7 million) to produce, will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

This is not the first time Zhang is directing the Giacomo Puccini opera about the love story of a Chinese princess. In 1998, he staged a critically acclaimed version of "Turandot" in the Forbidden City.

"Compared to the Forbidden City production, we will use many advanced and modern approaches to make a unique edition," the the Beijing News quoted Zhang saying in a videotaped message to a press conference Wednesday.

Some 100,000 people are expected to attend each of the two performances and promoters say there are plans to tour with the performance in South Korea, Australia and Europe.

Besides directing the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games last year, Zhang is also known for blockbusters such as "Hero", "Curse of the Golden Flower" and the "House of Flying Daggers," and has been nominated three times for an Oscar for best foreign film.

- CNA/il