NIXON IN CHINA, MINIMALISM INTERSPERSED WITH VAUDEVILLIAN SATIRE

Nixon in China is John Adams's earnest interpretation of a political drama that took place between the head of the states of the two countries in 1972.

The Pulitzar Award (2003) winning composer and conductor adapted the storyline from Alice Goodman's book of the same name.
Through the staging of this opera not only Mr Adams successfully unmasks the irony behind a historical event, but also, seems to raise certain crucial questions.
Even though at the time of its original staging between 1985 and 1987 it raised quite a bit of furore, yet, it is widely considered to be one of Mr Adams's most ingenuous piece of work.

HISTORY

The story unfolds in Beijing, China, where, Richard Nixon and his wife Pat Nixon is paying a state visit. They are accompanied by their personal advisor Henry Kissinger. The presence of and subsequent interactions between Jiang Qing, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai complete the story. The opera consists of three acts.

Act 1

The opera commences with the Chinese troops singing a song of People's Liberation Army in Beijing Airport. As Richard Nixon, his wife and Henry Kissinger unboard the plane they are greeted by Zhou Enlai. Later in the day Nixon visits Mao Zedong in his study. An interesting conversation ensues with Nixon expressing his intention in simpler terms and Mao Zedong resorting to riddles and philosophy in answering them. At the first night of the visit the American delegation is greeted with a grand feast at the Great Hall of the People.

Act 2

The second act focuses on Pat Nixon and her exploration of the daily lives of the Chinese people. She visits a glass factory, a farm and a primary school. Even through her somewhat strictly formal appearance she manages to convey the exchange of goodwill between the neighbours and sings an aria about her hopes for the future.

In the evening Richard Nixon visits an opera depicting a story based on a piece known as The Red Detachment of Women written by Madame Mao. The underlying emotion felt by each of the protagonists seem to blend with the thoughts of the performers of the opera that Nixon views.

Act 3

As the story advances to the third night it becomes apparent that no tangible benefits could be derived from this meeting. Both Nixon and Mao Zedong seem to be lost deep in reverie, each, narrating their personal struggles and turmoil. Only Zhou Enlai asks how many things were changed for better, before, retiring to his work wearily.

MAIN ROLES

Richard Nixon,baritone,James Maddalena
Pat Nixon, soprano, Carolann Page
Zhou Enlai, baritone, Sanford Sylvan
Mao Tse-tung, tenor, John Duykess
Henry Kissinger, low voice, Thomas Hammons
Chiang Ch'ing, soprano, Trudy Ellen Cranley

The combination of Asia inspired music and John Adams's characteristic minimalist melody works well for Nixon in China.
In fact, the superiority of Mr Adam's musical scores ensure that the libretto does not face the ignominy of degrading to just another political satire.