Chongqing - 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. To commemorate this important milestone, the iconic Italian musical The Divine Comedy Musical will begin its China tour, with its first stop set to dazzle audiences at the Chongqing Grand Theater, delivering a breathtaking audiovisual feast transcending time and space.

Since Marco Polo traveled to China over 700 years ago, the exchange of civilizations between the two countries has never ceased. The Divine Comedy Musical is an artistic bridge, bringing Chinese and Italian cultures together on stage. The arrival of this musical in China is not only a revival of a literary classic but also a significant reflection of the deep cultural exchange between China and Italy.

In 2024, during Italian President Mattarella’s visit to China, the creative team of The Divine Comedy Musical accompanied him. It appeared on CCTV's major international cultural exchange program, Beauty and Coexistence: Songs of Harmony. Their stunning performance of selected excerpts sparked widespread discussion after the broadcast, with related topics trending multiple times on Chinese social media. This, in turn, ignited strong interest among Chinese audiences in the epic masterpiece.

Stage photo of The Divine Comedy Musical. (Photo/Chongqing Grand Theatre)

The Divine Comedy Musical's stage production offers a groundbreaking audiovisual experience. Using over 70 immersive 3D projections, it vividly recreates Dante’s visions of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, making the audience feel like they are part of the epic journey. A seamless blend of glasses-free 3D holograms, dynamic lighting effects, and intricate mechanical devices delivers a powerful and captivating visual spectacle.

In terms of music, the production fuses rock, pop, opera, and other musical styles. With arrangements by Italian national treasure composer Marco Frisina, the combination of symphonic and modern elements gives the work both grandeur and emotional depth. Eight leading Italian vocalists breathe new musical life into Dante’s poetry, showcasing its unique charm on the modern stage.

Stage photo of The Divine Comedy Musical. (Photo/Chongqing Grand Theatre)

Beyond its remarkable choreography and music, the production's costume design also stands out. The team meticulously crafted over 200 stunning costumes, each adhering to historical and artistic standards. Through intricate embroidery, hand-applied beadwork, and the use of specialty fabrics, every character’s look achieves depth and detail, recreating the opulent atmosphere of the medieval world with exceptional accuracy.

As a gem of Italian culture, the musical The Divine Comedy has garnered widespread acclaim since its debut. It has received prestigious international awards, including the Gold Medal from the Italian Dante Society and the Persephone Prize, and was even invited to perform in the Italian Senate, cementing its reputation as one of the most celebrated stage productions in recent years. With sold-out performances at venues like the Verona Amphitheater and Milan’s Teatro degli Arcimboldi, it has drawn over 1.4 million attendees, sparking a veritable theater phenomenon.

Stage photo of The Divine Comedy Musical. (Photo/Chongqing Grand Theatre)

The performances are set for April 25-26, 2025, with each show running approximately 150 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. The Chongqing Grand Theater, the first stop on the musical’s China tour, will bring this masterpiece to Chinese audiences for the first time. The arrival of The Divine Comedy Musical is set to become a highlight of Chongqing’s performing arts scene in 2025. Without the need to travel to Europe, local audiences can enjoy the powerful allure of this original Italian production right at their doorstep, fully immersed in its dramatic splendor.

(Huang Zhuoyue, as an intern, also contributed to this report)