I’ve been following developments in use of technology in the theatre for a few years now and, to be honest, I’ve seen lots of theory and not a lot of practice though Tapestry’s RUR: A Torrent of Light did use motion capture.  The Turandot recorded at the Liceu in Barcelona in 2019 takes it to a whole new level though.

The production is by Franc Aleu of the collective La Fura dels Baus.  It’s the first time I’ve seen 3D projections and motion capture fully integrated into a stage performance.  It must have cost a fortune!  The concept is a future setting, presumably still China, with every sci-fi cliché imaginable. giant sized diaphanous projections of characters, light sabres, VR headsets and an overall aesthetic redolent of a technicolor Metropolis.  It’s actually quite stunning to look at.

Dramatically, in contrast, it’s pretty straightforward.  The plot plays out in absolutely classic fashion with no unexpected twists.  So, much depends n the performances and they are good.  The clear standout is Ermonela Jaho as Liù.  She sings absolutely gorgeously and fully encapsulates the character.  “Tu che di gel sei cinta” is very moving.  There’s a  very good Calaf in Jorge de Leon.  He’s a proper tenor with all the high notes.  Iréne Theorin is a thoroughly archetypal Turandot.  There’s nothing very human about her acting or even perhaps her singing which is accurate and powerful but not engaging.  It’s not supposed to be I suppose. Alexander Vinogradov as Timur and Chris Merritt as the Emperor are distinctly better than OK.  The Liceu orchestra and chorus are excellent and conductor Josep Pons goes for a full blooded and highly dramatic sound to good effect.  For the record, it’s the Alfano completion.

Benoît Toulemonde directs the film.  He does a very good job of capturing the complexity and spectacle.  This definitely needs Blu-ray (it’s one where 4K UHD would be justified).  On Blu-ray the picture is excellent with a good sense of the effects and excellent sound in both stereo (48kHz 24 bit) and surround (DTS-HD-MA).  The only extras on the disk are trailer but the booklet has a handy essay and a full track listing.

There are plenty of recordings of Turandot with interesting visuals and good singing out there and this one joins them.  The extra interest here is the use of emerging technologies.  I’m sure we are going to see more of them in the future.

Catalogue number: C Major Blu-ray 763604