On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the acclaimed Italian epic musical "The Divine Comedy" will take the stage at the Guangzhou Opera House from August 7 to 10, serving as the grand finale of the 2025 Guangzhou Art Season.
Under the theme "Traveling with the Show," the 2025 Guangzhou Art Season spans 107 days, connecting the global arts scene with 55 productions and 123 performances.
As the grand finale of the "International Dialogue" chapter, "The Divine Comedy" perfectly concludes the 2025 Guangzhou Art Season. Its international influence is underscored by a past performance for Italian President Sergio Mattarella, highlighting the production's global cultural resonance.
Adapted from Dante Alighieri's epic poem of the same name, "The Divine Comedy" is the world's first and only musical interpretation of the literary masterpiece. The production has earned critical acclaim, winning the prestigious "Dante Society Gold Award" and being named the "Best Italian Musical" in 2019 and 2020.
Directed by Andrea Ortis, who also plays Virgil, the musical takes the audience on a powerful journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise from Dante's perspective.
Eight Italian vocalists deliver performances with "Bocelli-style" high notes, blending rock, pop, and opera to evoke a profound emotional and spiritual experience.
Since its China tour kicked off in April 2025, "The Divine Comedy" has achieved both box office success and critical acclaim in cities such as Chongqing and Changsha. Italian Panorama magazine hailed the production, remarking that "Dante has never been so modern," while China's state television broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) praised the performers for "infusing every melody with deep emotion."
As a key project to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the musical carries the mission of cultural exchange. Producer Gabriele Gravina shared that just as Marco Polo once bridged East and West, "The Divine Comedy" aspires to serve as a cultural envoy for a new era. Blending classical heritage with modern artistry, the production promises to leave a lasting and timeless cultural memory for the audience in Guangzhou.
Time: August 7-8 (Thu-Fri) at 19:30; August 9 (Sat) at 14:30 and 19:30; August 10 (Sun) at 14:30
Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House (廣州大劇院 歌劇廳)
Duration: 150 minutes (with a 15-minute intermission, subject to the actual performance)
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