Washington National Opera will premiere a new ending for Puccini’s “Turandot” at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center on May 11. The new ending reimagines the opera’s problematic finale, which has been controversial since its inception due to its abruptness and portrayal of gender dynamics.
Why it matters:
- Responding to nearly a century of mixed reviews: “Nessun dorma” from “Turandot” is widely recognized and celebrated, but the opera’s storyline, with its execution of failed suitors and a sudden change of heart by the titular character, has been criticized as unrealistic and outdated.
- A more female-empowered ending: The new ending, commissioned by the Washington National Opera, aims to provide a more empowering conclusion for Turandot and address stereotypes about China and its characters within the opera, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale.
- Out with the stereotypes: The updated ending removes racial stereotypes, such as renaming characters like Ping, Pang, and Pong to their ministerial titles, and redefines the character arcs of both Turandot and Calaf, emphasizing themes of love and forgiveness over conquest and dominance.
