TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — This year marks the 100th anniversary of the death of famed opera composer Giacomo Puccini and to mark the occasion National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts is staging the composer’s third opera, "Manon Lescaut," from Sept. 5-8.

Also known as Weiwuying, the music center’s Artistic Director Chien Wen-pin (簡文彬) spoke with CNA, noting the opera is widely considered Puccini’s best work and will be performed in its entirety, with a running time of 165 minutes. Chien said the opera tells the tale of the heroine, Manon, who seeks love but also worships money, leading to a web of adultery and betrayal.

According to Chien, "Manon Lescaut" is a classic Puccini opera that sets the template for heroines appearing in later operas such as Mimi in "La Boheme" and the Japanese geisha, Cio-Cio-San, in "Madame Butterfly." Chien encourages opera fans to watch Weiwuying’s production as a starting point for understanding Puccini.

Chien said the opera will be directed by Pier Francesco Maestrini, whose fine technique can be observed through each movement onstage, from singers to actors and chorus. “This director understands Puccini's operas very well, rehearsing with acting and singing at the same time and encouraging everyone on stage to embody their characters."

The sopranos playing Manon include Lin Ling-hui (林玲慧) and Li Keng (耿立). Chien says the pair have years of experience singing in Europe and can sing in Italian with clear pronunciation.

Chien said one of the intentions for selecting the opera was to give Taiwanese singers more opportunities to sing and perform, not just singing one aria or duet at a time. "Weiwuying is a good platform for opera production, allowing Taiwanese artists to connect with the world."

The opera "Manon Lescaut" is co-produced by Weiwuying, the National Theater of Slovenia, and Teatro Colombo in Argentina. It will be performed next week at the Opera House of the National Arts and Cultural Center in Weiwuying, Kaohsiung.