The cold-hearted princess, a misogynist, a monster, and a love-at-first-sight character—these are some of the descriptors associated with Turandot, the princess in Puccini's opera. Known for beheading suitors who fail to solve her riddles, she ultimately succumbs to a kiss from Prince Calaf, raising questions about her character. This sudden capitulation has sparked nearly a century of debate: "Is the final kiss true love or an act of violence?"
The Arts Center will present the opera 'Turandot' in four performances from July 22 to 26, promising a fresh perspective on this long-standing debate. While the controversial ending remains unchanged, the production aims to alter how audiences perceive the journey leading to that conclusion.
Soprano Eva Płonka, who plays the title role, stated at a press conference on July 10, "Turandot is a woman with a philosophical side, a character that has often been misunderstood. She is a multi-faceted figure, frequently viewed in a one-dimensional way, and represents an allegory rather than a mere human being."
Director Jeong Seon-young focused on dispelling these misconceptions in this production. She aims to break the long-held stereotype of 'the cruel princess and the prince's love story' and instead presents a narrative that moves toward peace and coexistence, breaking the cycle of revenge and violence.
Jeong described the production as a 'Puccini-inspired project for ending war,' explaining, "On the surface, it appears to be a legendary love story between a prince and a princess set in China, but it contains a lament for war and a yearning for peace that reflects humanity's origins. The work showcases the longing for peace among ordinary people, with a message of peace woven throughout the entire piece."
In fact, 'Turandot' remains a work in progress. Depending on the director's vision, the ending could vary widely—Turandot could take her own life, betray Calaf, or the two could kill each other or conquer each other's nations. Puccini left the opera unfinished, allowing for various interpretations of the incomplete ending created by composer Franco Alfano based on Puccini's drafts.
However, the Arts Center's 'Turandot' retains the original ending while focusing on delivering a compelling message of peace and coexistence in the final scene, which has often been criticized for lacking coherence. Jeong expressed her determination to highlight the peace message that Puccini sought to convey, noting that he wrote the piece shortly after World War I, pouring his remaining life into this message.
As for the controversial final kiss, Jeong interprets it as an act of 'truly winning by yielding.' She suggests that Calaf's selflessness causes Turandot's frozen heart to melt away.
Eva Płonka added, "When combined with Alfano's grand music, a brutal interpretation of the final kiss can be misinterpreted as rape. This is different from the happy ending where the princess, who desired a perfect match, falls in love with Calaf."
Another soprano, Seo Seon-young, who also plays Turandot, hopes the audience will feel the fleeting moment of falling in love during this performance.
"When you think about it, changing your heart or falling in love happens in an instant. I hope the audience experiences that magical moment in the brief moment when Turandot falls in love, filled with musical space."
The performances will take place at the Arts Center's opera theater.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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