Delve into the fascinating story behind John Adams's groundbreaking 1987 opera, which immortalized former US President Richard Nixon's pivotal 1972 visit to China. Join Opera Talks founder Tanisha as she unearths the behind-the-scenes drama of this monumental work, interwoven with the historical thawing of US-China relations that inspired it.
1. Talk only with audio-visual presentation
2. Virtual Talk
SUMMARY
Nixon in China is an opera in three acts by John Adams with a libretto by Alice Goodman. Adams's first opera, it was inspired by U.S. president Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to the People's Republic of China. The work premiered at the Houston Grand Opera on October 22, 1987, in a production by Peter Sellars with choreography by Mark Morris. When Sellars approached Adams with the idea for the opera in 1983, Adams was initially reluctant, but eventually decided that the work could be a study in how myths come to be, and accepted the project. READ MORE IN WIKIPEDIA
SETTING
As Sophia from the Golden Girls says “picture it” Nixon in China is set in & around Peking, China in 1972.
ACT 1: Peking Airport
ACT 2: Pat Nixon tour with city guides
ACT 3: The last evening of the Nixons' visit
LEGENDARY CAST- WHO YOU WILL HEAR
Due to time constraint, this opera talk features a partial cast. If you loved the program, purchase from our affiliates or borrow the above DVD’s from your local library to see the full cast.
TANISHA’S PICKS
This opera talk features Tanisha’s favorite casts from these recordings. Click the link to purchase them for your own collection.
OPERA-ALIKES
If you liked this opera talk, you may like other opera talks featuring American themes.
