From February 24, 2026,the Opéra national de Paris revives Nixon in China, John Adams ' iconic opera, in a production that entered the company's repertoire in 2023. Inspired by Richard Nixon 's historic visit to China in 1972, the work is part of the current of American minimalist music, carried here by colorful orchestration and powerful lyricism. The staging, by Valentina Carrasco, favors allegory and wonder over strict historical reconstruction, introducing a poetic look at a key diplomatic episode of the Cold War.
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The opera' s plot follows the main highlights of the official trip: the American president's arrival in Beijing, his exchanges with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, and Pat Nixon's travels through the heart of China.Alice Goodman's libretto gives pride of place to the personal and symbolic dimensions of this political event, and John Adams ' music amplifies this double reading, alternating ritual sequences with moments of introspection. The third act moves away from realism to evoke the intimate memories and aspirations of the protagonists, in a universe where history and illusion merge.
This production will appeal to fans of contemporaryopera and those interested in historical narratives treated from an original angle. The dreamlike staging, the references to "ping-pong diplomacy" and the use of spectacular visual tableaux make this a striking stage experience. Audiences more attached to Romantic opera or classical narrative treatment may, however, be confused by the singular approach of this work.
This article is based on publicly available information and is not based on direct experience of the show.
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Dates and Opening Time
From February 24, 2026 to March 20, 2026
Location
Opera Bastille
Place de la Bastille
75012 Paris 12
Access
Metro lines 1, 5 and 8, "Bastille" station
Booking
www.operadeparis.fr
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