With tickets already selling fast, designers behind the scenes are working around the clock to ensure a Beijing spectacular goes with a bang.

The Aida stage recreates Egypt. [newsphoto.com.cn]

The September 27 performance of Verdi's Aida has already become one of the most talked-about arts events of the year.

Sparkling fireworks, fire-tipped arrows and thousands of performers marching on a stage spanning 6,200 square metres are certain to add the required amount of pizzazz to the outdoor opera.

The backdrop features a 40-metre-high pyramid and a huge, movable statue of a Sphinx. Spectators will even see ships "sailing" in a representation of the Suez Canal.

The show, which is being staged at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing, is set to recreate the eternal love theme based on an ancient Egyptian story.

Lu Jiankang, general manager of BeiAo Grand Cultural & Sports Events Co Ltd, sponsor and organizer of the event, revealed that many tickets have already been snapped up.

"Almost all the lowest 80-yuan (US$9.66) tickets are sold out. Most were bought by families, who wish to go and enjoy the opera together," Lu said. "On the other hand, over 6,000 of the most expensive (1,800 yuan (US$216.8)) tickets have been booked."

The most expensive seats are reserved by companies and other institutions, Lu said.

"Ticket sales have already ensured a gain of some 6 million yuan (US$722,289) , weeks before the show," added Lu.

General director and producer of the spectacular, Lu is proud of the company's chance to present such a grand project to a Beijing audience of up to 50,000 people.

"Pop concerts take centre stage nowadays in Beijing" he observed. "As you can see, there are half-a-dozen pop concerts by Hong Kong and Taiwan stars currently being held in Beijing. We want to introduce this grand opera spectacular, because we believe audiences will love to see such an art of grace in addition to pop concerts.

To ensure the best show for viewers, the company has invested 30 million yuan (US$3.61 million) on the production, of which stage design alone accounts for some 5 million yuan (US$602,409).

"The stage design has been created by Jiang Haoyang, a top designer in our company," Lu said. In addition, overseas designers have been drafted in to help. Lighting, costume and acoustics specialists have been recruited in a bid to get the event just right.

The giant stage accommodates more than 1,000 tons of steel structures, as well as semi-transparent high-tech materials. Historical battle scenes will be broadcast on two screens set as two large eyes of the Sphinx. The statues of four Egyptian Pharoahs' statues will also be set on the stage. Some 40 "holy" stone columns of up to 20 metres in height will be erected in the stadium to heighten the visual impact.

"With the changing of lights and lasers, the pyramid will shift from an ancient, classical look to a surreal, chic appearance," Lu confided.

There are two movable platforms capable of carrying thousands of performers up onto the stage, or down into the makeup and rest areas, which are set in the pyramid.

Other elaborate facilities, such as the transparent bathtub used by the princess, will find a place on the enormous stage.

Before turning into butterflies, the lovers, Aida and Radames, are seated on a magic carpet and away off stage, imitating a visual effect created in films.

"We will try to turn the outdoor opera into a mirthful carnival, for everyone to enjoy, whether they are an opera fans or not," Lu said.

Tickets: 80 to 1800 yuan (US$9.6-216.8)

Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 27

Tel: 8488-7061, 8488-7062

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