Tintin opera hits the stage

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Belgian comic Tintin comes to life on stage as an opera.

(REUTERS) - The classic Tintin story, The Castafiore Emerald, comes to life on-stage. The Belgian association, Opera for All, celebrates it's 20th anniversary of outdoor opera by taking this well-known story and adapting it to opera music.

The pressure is on for the actors of the Tintin cast to really match the personas and image of their famous characters, explains director Francois de Carpentries.

"The problem is not to have a caricature, but to have a real human being. And It's not only a costume on legs, it has to be a human being. What is amazing is that, for example Castafiore and Haddock, when they are translated in the opera and in the theatre world, they become really moving," said de Carpentries.

The storyline follows the diva and famous singer, Bianca Castafiore, as she visits Tintin and her not so mutual friend, Captain Haddock.

In between paparazzi and gypsy visits, Castafiore's beloved jewels are stolen.

Investigative reporter, Tintin immediately helps look for the jewels with help from the clownish detectives, Thomson and Thomson.

Bringing the performance to the stage, not only allowed fans to relive their childhood, but also gave them the opportunity to see enhanced personalities of their favorite characters.

The production balances Herge's acclaimed words and illustrations, with thoughtful musical arrangements and precise costume design.

The opera will run at the Chateau de la Hulpe through September 26th.

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