TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Philharmonic Opera Studio will bring Franz Lehar's iconic “Die Lustige Witwe,” or “The Merry Widow,” to the stage at Taipei’s Nanhai Theater on April 17 and 18.

The production will be conducted by Chiu Chun-chiang (邱君強) and directed by Chen Cheng-hsu (陳昶旭). It promises to explore the timeless melodies and poignant story at the heart of “The Merry Widow.”

Despite being a small-scale production, it will capture the full essence of the opera. The performance will be accompanied by piano, rather than a full orchestra.

The plot of “The Merry Widow” centers around a small European country on the brink of bankruptcy. Its only hope is to keep the vast fortune of a wealthy widow, Hanna, within its borders.

Hanna’s wealth and beauty attract the attention of numerous nobles and wealthy suitors. However, her affections are reserved for Count Danilo.

The two clearly have feelings for each other. Yet, their pride and misunderstandings prevent them from being open with one another.

Chiu explained that the iconic music of “The Merry Widow” holds a nostalgic value for many. This makes it a natural choice for the production.

The story intricately weaves feminist themes into its plot, tracing Hanna's personal growth alongside the broader societal shift. The central relationship between Hanna and Danilo, marked by emotional exploration, drives the narrative and creates opportunities for dramatic confrontations.

Chen shared insights into Taiwan’s opera scene, noting that in addition to the larger opera productions at major venues, another form is the opera concert, which has prompted reflection on the productions that lie between these two extremes. Taipei Philharmonic Opera Studio has embraced this niche, positioning itself as a key player in small-theater opera.

Chen added that even with just piano accompaniment, the production is a complete opera experience. Every detail is carefully executed to ensure that the performance remains true to the grandeur and emotion of the original work.

This production of “The Merry Widow” marks Chen’s first time directing a light opera, a genre that lies between opera and musical theater. He explained that while light operas are often seen as a bridge between the two, the production will incorporate elements of both.

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