This pink Romanesque building was built by the Russians in 1932. It's centrally located on the east side of Sukhbaatar Square and is fondly referred to as the Ulaanbaatar Opera House and is the domicile of the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Mongolia.
By all accounts it hosts the most prolific schedule of ballet, opera and theatre performances in the world! Well maybe not, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a more fecund theatre group!! You could attend twice a week for a month and never see a repeat show!!!
We have seen two productions this week, Carmen and an Anthology of Classical Musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Romeo and Juliet, Cats, Don Juan and Chicago. I am staggered that such multifarious productions can run for 2 nights only, (sometimes even one as in the case of Carmen!!).
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| "CARMEN" |
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| Backstage |
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| CATS |
Right next door to the Opera house is the Central Tower building which locals call the Shangri La as it was originally built to house the Shangri La Hotel. However there's no hotel, only offices and a shopping mall with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Zegna. Its glass walls and clean lines are in sharp contrast to the Opera house which clearly belongs to another time! There is a bar and restaurant on the 17th floor which offers great views of the city and surrounding hills. On the 3rd floor they have a pub called the Square Grill which we like to frequent for late-night drinks. It has a lovely view of Sukhbaatar Square.
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| Taken from the 17th floor |
5 comments:
Looks amazing mum! Can't wait to come up and visit you guys! Are all the performances in the theatre done by local groups? Or do you get foreign performances as well?
I'm loving your blog Suse, and the photos are so amazing (nice camera work Sim). Can't wait to see what the Summer pics will look like. The way you talk about U makes me want to come and visit. (Notice how I said I would come over only after you put a picture up of the shopping center hmmmm).
Stay safe, eat well and enjoy the views!!! Dxxxxx
Sam we can't wait for you to arrive! Should be fun in the summertime.
The performances are mainly local.
Thanks Dayna, at least you know I havent disappeared of the face of the earth and that there is plenty to keep one busy here. Going to a Wine dinner tonight so all very civilised!.... I knew I could bring you out of the woodwork by dangling the shopping carrot!! I know what to do if you go quiet again!!
Hey Susie. I love your blog. You seem well adapted in new place wherever you go. I know it's not an easy thing but you always make it fun which is great. Mongolian wrestling looks very interesting. They look so cute in their costumes! hehe! Well...I better go. on the way to Sungai Wan shopping centre now. Hope I hear from Huat or Lian today. Take care & Cheers Hiromi
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