Photo: Wu Jie/GT

In April 2025, The Divine Comedy Opera Musical, based on Italian poet Dante Alighieri's eponymous poem, is scheduled to kick off its China tour as part of the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy, according to a press conference held at the Italian Embassy in China on Saturday.

As the first and only theatrical opera in the world based on Dante's epic poem, the show will make its debut in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on April 21, 2025 before touring cities across China including Nanjing, Changsha, Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, and wrapping up in Hong Kong, Tian Hui, general manager of the We Opera Studio, said at the press conference. 

The musical's chief producer Gabriele Gravina told the Global Times that he hopes that Chinese audiences will feel the profound allure of Dante as a poet, as well as the messages of hope and humanity he conveyed through his work. 

The deep exploration of human nature within the original work, Dante's Divine Comedy, provided a rich foundation for the creative process. The musical is a great source of pride for Italians as it captures universal human themes such as love and hope that resonate deeply across cultures, said Gravina, who is also a member of the Union of European Football Associations Executive Committee.

"I firmly believe that by bringing this musical to China, we can share the profound literary power embedded in this work with Chinese audiences. This will not only strengthen the friendship between Italy and China, but also bring our peoples closer together," said Gravina.

With 3D technology offering audiences an immersive experience, the show takes them on a fictional journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

Boasting a star-studded cast, the musical has been widely acclaimed in Italy since its premiere in 2007, captivating more than 1 million people. In both 2019 and 2020, it was honored with prestigious awards in Italy, underscoring its popularity and artistic achievements.

Another producer, Francesco Gravina, said that he is confident that the show will be well-received in China, a country with an ancient civilization that values both culture and history.

The cast members of the show came to Beijing with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is carrying out a state visit to China from Thursday to Tuesday. 

Andrea Ortis, director of the musical, said that the show is like a tribute and a gift honoring the friendship between the people of China and Italy. 

Dante's poem The Divine Comedy tells the story of a journey both imaginative and profound. It delves into a remarkable exploration of the inner world of human beings, illuminating the depths of the soul through its deeply introspective journey, said the director.

"It celebrates our shared passion for culture, a reverence for beauty, a tribute to love, and an admiration for poetry. Through this production, we hope to strengthen the bonds of friendship by showcasing these universal values and artistic expressions," said Ortis.