A still from "A Dream of Red Mansions". (Photo/Xinhua)
Even though the materials used in designing the costumes and settings are not from China, Tim Yip, the designer of the opera, asserted that it has not reduced the classical and elegant elements which have been presented to the audience in a special Oriental style.
Daniel Knapp, production director said the designing has stunned everyone involved in the production. "Everything is translucent, everything is transparent and everything glows," Knapp said. "It is the sheer cut and the brilliance of Tim's design that make the production so stellar and so transformable."
Terry Branstad, U.S. ambassador to China, watched the inaugural show of the opera in China, and said that he enjoyed it very much. He also expressed hope that there would be more cultural exchanges between China and the U.S..
The San Francisco Opera House has brought together such a "dream team" to create this opera.
From the composer and librettist, to the director and stage designer, all roles are undertaken by celebrated artists who have both a Western and Chinese background.
The opera was a great success in the U.S. when it made its debut last September. And the creative team hopes it will touch the hearts of the Chinese audience as well.
