Love and Power: Jia Ding’s Vision of Turandot Bridging East and West with Modern Elegance

By Excellence Media Translation and Editorial Team Photos provided by Director Jia Ding

文 / 劉正廷 圖 / 甲丁導演提供

On October 12, 2024, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the final note of Turandot gradually faded, and as the stage lights dimmed, the theatre remained alive with emotion. The audience, still absorbed in the powerful clash of love and power, broke into thunderous applause that filled every corner of the room. Tears mixed with smiles as Director Jia Ding stepped forward to bow, receiving an outpouring of admiration for his remarkable artistic achievement. It was not just the emotional impact of the story, but the depth of the production that moved everyone present.

Turandot has been interpreted countless times on stages worldwide, with each director offering a new perspective. In marking the centenary of Puccini’s death, Jia Ding took this opportunity to elevate the opera to new heights, blending cultural insight with modern innovation. His version sparked a profound exchange between Eastern and Western cultures, offering a fresh narrative that celebrated tradition while embracing contemporary creativity.

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

Drawing from a deep respect for Chinese traditions, Jia Ding’s creative approach blends heritage with innovation. His reinterpretation of Turandot focuses on the tension between love and imperial power, symbolized by the central presence of the "Imperial Seal" in the stage design. Far from a random choice, this symbol reflects the unyielding nature of authority and the inevitable victory of love. The imposing presence of the seal heightened the drama, allowing the theme of love’s triumph to resonate visually.

Jia also applied the traditional Chinese artistic technique of liubai (leaving blank spaces), creating moments of visual stillness on stage. To him, liubai is not only an artistic choice but a philosophical one—it allows the audience room to imagine, letting emotions flow freely within the open spaces. This subtle technique drew viewers deeper into the quiet profundity of Eastern culture, offering them a moment of reflection within the unfolding drama.

A Fusion of Technology and Tradition

Determined to break new ground, Jia Ding employed cutting-edge technology, using projection and smoke effects to bring Turandot’s three riddles to life in a visually stunning way. These special effects were more than mere spectacle—they symbolized the elusive, cloud-like nature of the riddles, which, though seemingly formidable, were ultimately dispelled by the power of love.

In a unique cross-cultural twist, Jia also integrated elements of Peking Opera. Rather than disrupt the flow of the Western opera with traditional Chinese singing, he subtly blended the music of Peking Opera into the background, creating a harmonious fusion. This approach reflected Jia’s profound understanding and respect for both Eastern and Western artistic traditions, allowing them to complement each other seamlessly.

A New Focus on Love and Power

What distinguishes Jia Ding’s interpretation is his emphasis on love as the core theme. While past productions often highlighted the harshness of power, Jia chose to shift the focus, presenting love as the true force that ultimately prevails. He saw love as the most potent power, capable of overcoming any authority, and this philosophical outlook became the cornerstone of his interpretation.

The Imperial Seal on stage gradually transformed into a symbol of love, reflecting this journey. This transformation gave the opera new emotional depth, allowing the audience to connect with a story that transcends mere romance, delving into a higher level of contemplation about human nature and the power of love.

A Tribute to Chinese Cultural Depth

Jia Ding’s respect for Chinese culture is evident in every detail of his production. He intricately wove Taoist and Buddhist philosophies into the story, particularly the exploration of human nature’s three poisons: greed, anger, and ignorance. These philosophical concepts were brought to life through the characters’ choices, transforming Turandot into a rich tapestry of moral and philosophical reflection.

By setting the story in the Yuan Dynasty, a period of great historical significance in China, Jia allowed audiences to experience both the grandeur and subtlety of Eastern history and culture. His meticulous attention to architectural and historical details resonated deeply with both local and international audiences, offering a fresh perspective on Chinese heritage.

Art and Social Responsibility

For Jia Ding, art carries a social responsibility. In his interpretation of Turandot, love is not just a personal triumph—it is a call for social harmony and inclusion. Through this production, Jia delivered a powerful message: only love can dissolve conflict and bring about true peace and understanding. In a world often divided by differences, his version of Turandot serves as a reminder of love’s power to bridge gaps, not only between individuals but across cultures.

國際英文版 / English version :在愛與權力間 探索東西方文化的橋樑 傳統到創新 詮釋東方哲學的當代力量