Seattle Opera to World Premiere ‘The Wedding Banquet’ in 2027
By Francisco SalazarSeattle Opera has announced that it will present the world premiere of “The Wedding Banquet” in January 2027.
The new comic opera is inspired by the 1993 film directed by Ang Lee and the re-imagined version by director Andrew Ahn that debuted to widespread acclaim earlier this year. The opera, co-commissioned and co-produced with The Metropolitan Opera, is composed by Huang Ruo with a libretto by screenwriter James Schamus, who co-wrote both films. Seattle Opera General and Artistic Director James Robinson will direct the production.
The new work will mark the first opera written by an Asian American composer presented on Seattle Opera’s mainstage. Following the January performances, the work will head to the Metropolitan Opera.
In a statement, Ruo said, “When I first saw Ang Lee’s classic film many years ago, I knew immediately it would make a great opera. The opera tells a heartfelt, human story that celebrates friendship and found family, queer love, and cultural identity. Given what these films have meant to me, I am thrilled now to be joining James Schamus and a new generation of artists reimagining this classic work for today through an operatic lens.”
He added, “After working together on three of my previous operas, I’m very excited to collaborate with my dear friend Jim Robinson again on this new operatic journey in Seattle.”
James Robinson’s production will include a team made up of Set Designer Allen Moyer, Lighting Designer Donald Holder, Choreographer Sunny Hitt, Costume Designer Han Feng, and Projection Designer Greg Emetaz.
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