Nixon in China

Nixon in China was John Adams' first opera. It tells the story of then-president Richard Nixon's meetings with Mao Tse-Tung which resulted in the 'opening' of China to Western nations. The idea for the opera was concieved by director Peter Sellars, and the setting of the original production was very naturalistic, with actors made up to resemble their well-known historical counterparts and an attempt to authentically recreate scenes like the landing of the Spirit of '76 at the Beijing airport.

Cast of Characters

Chou En-Lai, bar	Richard Nixon, bar
Henry Kissinger, bar	Nancy T'ang, First Secretary to Mao, ms
Second and Third Secretaries to Mao, ms	Mao Tse-Tung, t
Pat Nixon, s	Chiang Ch'ing, Madame Mao Tse-Tung, s
Chorus

Synopsis

Act I

At an airfield outside Beijing, on February 21, 1972, a chorus of Chinese soldiers sing a choral introduction. Richard Nixon's plane, the Spirit of '76, arrives; Nixon is greeted by Choi En-Lai; during the introductions, Nixon reflects on the historical nature of his journey and the way it will be perceived by the American media ("News has a kind of mystery").

Later, Nixon and Henry Kissinger meet with Chairmain Mao. Mao, his words endlessly repeated by his three secretaries, discusses political theory and the upcoming American elections. When Nixon mentions Confucius, Mao explains his vision of modern China ("We no longer need Confucius").

At a banquet in honor of the Americans, Premier Chou and President Nixon in turn give formal toasts, which become less formal as the evening goes on ("Ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends"/"Mr. Premier, distinguished guests").

Act II

Pat Nixon is taken on a carefully choreographed publicity tour of factories, sights and public buildings. She reflects on the China she has been shown, as compared to the past and future of the United States ("This is prophetic").

The Nixons attend a performance of Madame Mao's ballet, The Red Detachment of Women. During the performance, Pat Nixon is drawn into the action of the play, and the villain of the piece appears to be played by Henry Kissinger. The performance ends with a defiant aria by Madame Mao herself ("I am the wife of Mao Tse-Tung").

Act III

On the last night of the visit, the Nixons, Mao, and Chou reflect on the personal histories that have led them to this point, includig Nixon's war service and the Long March. As the opera ends, Chou reflects on the historical nature of the past few days ("I am old and I cannot sleep").

Performance History

World premiere Houston Grand Opera, Houston, Texas October 22, 1987 Chou En-Lai: Sanford Sylvan Richard Nixon: James Maddalena Henry Kissinger: Thomas Hammons Nancy T'ang: Mari Opatz Second Secretary: Stephanie Friedman Third Secretary: Marion Dry Mao Tse-Tung: John Duykers Pat Nixon: Carolann Page Chiang Ch'ing: Trudy Ellen Craney John DeMain, conductor Peter Sellars, stage director Mark Morris, choreographer Adrianne Lobel, set designer Dunya Ramicova, costume designer James F. Ingalls, lighting designer	New York premiere Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York, New York December 4, 1987	Company premiere Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. March 26, 1988
European premiere Netherlands Opera June 2, 1988	Company premiere English National Opera, London, England June 7, 2000 Chou En-Lai: David Kempster Richard Nixon: James Maddalena Henry Kissinger: Stephen Owen Mao Tse-Tung: Robert Brubaker Pat Nixon: Janis Kelley Chiang Ch'ing: Judith Howard Paul Daniel, conductor Peter Sellars, stage director Adrianne Lobel, set design