A Problematic Yet Powerful ‘Turandot’

Puccini’s “Turandot,” which is bringing the current San Diego Opera season to a brilliant close, is his most problematic, abstract and relevant work. Left unfinished at his death, it is still a powerful study in crime, with its multiplying, corrosive effects and its expiation only through mutual and voluntary relinquishment of power over another person.

Little wonder that David Hockney’s 1993 production (shared by San Francisco and Chicago and now seen in San Diego) sets the action in a fairy-tale Beijing saturated in primary colors and skewed perspectives. Or that Lotfi Mansouri’s direction incorporates both stylization and detailed realism.

Turandot’s implacable vendetta against men and her fatal allure are the stuff of myth, not verismo. In that context, the plot makes sense. Turandot is avenging a terrible crime against a woman.

Unfortunately, Jane Eaglen, in the title role, had trouble dominating the stage vocally and dramatically Saturday in the Civic Theatre. Eaglen, who sang Norma for Los Angeles Opera last September, was having uncharacteristic vocal problems in focus and support, particularly at the big climaxes. Perhaps those problems undermined her attention to characterization. But she was sweet in singing “Del primo pianto,” an often omitted part of Franco Alfano’s completion of Puccini’s unfinished work.

Richard Margison as Calaf, on the other hand, is a major talent, singing with freshness, fearlessness and a ringing tone. This is a tenor to watch. Margison’s acting, additionally, was involving and persuasive. He may be one of the few Calafs to demonstrate real feeling at Liu’s suicide.

Ai-Lan Zhu sang Liu with silvery appeal. Kevin Langan brought luxury vocalism to Timur, and his reaction to Liu’s suicide was the dramatic peak of the evening.

Stephen Powell, Beau Palmer and Joseph Hu sang the mask trios efficiently. Alan Fischer brought uncommon involvement to the role of the Emperor Altoum. Robert Gomez was a reasonably strong Mandarin.

Conductor Edoardo Muller oversaw the proceedings with an experienced, sympathetic hand.

The chorus, trained by Martin Wright, who is leaving the company after 13 years, sang gloriously.

* “Turandot” continues Tuesday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. and May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Theatre, 3rd Avenue and B Street, San Diego. $25-$100. (619) 236-6510.