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OPERA: Monkey - Journey to the West, Palace, until July 7
29/ 6/2007
THE MIF opens with what certainly qualifies as new and innovative work, but it's worth adding enjoyable and entertaining to that description.
Monkey: Journey to the West is a 'circus' opera for the 21st century, based on an ancient Chinese legend that spawned a cult TV series.
The story has been reworked as a dazzling spectacle involving more than 40 Chinese circus acrobats, vocalists and performing martial artists.
The epic tale of the Monkey King's journey of enlightenment has been part of Chinese culture for centuries, delighting young and old with its heady mix of adventure, mystery and magic.
Now, music and action have been added to the mix as East meets West for the show adapted and directed by acclaimed Chen Shi-Zheng.
The music, composed by former Blur frontman Damon Albarn, will be played by an orchestra of 30 musicians using Western and traditional Chinese instruments.
Artist Jamie Hewlett - who, with Albarn, created award-winning virtual band Gorillaz - has devised a visual universe of sets and costumes, not to mention a cacophony of characters from Spider Maidens to Skeleton Demons for this premiere production at the Palace Theatre.
Until July 7. For tickets call 0871 230 1888.
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