Het Land of the Smile - Aarschots Operettegezelschap Aquila vzw

Aquila The operetta Het Land by the Glimlach van Franz Lehár takes place in Vienna and China. De Weense Countess Lisa falls in love with the Chinese Prince Sou-Chong. Despite cultural differences, she marries him and travels with him to China. There, however, she clashes with strict traditions: Sou-Chong must take multiple wives and Lisa feels trapped in a strange world. Meanwhile, the high priest Tschang does everything he can to strengthen the “strict Chinese court culture”, which causes uncertainty and sadness for Lisa. Sou-Chong’s sister Mi and the Austrian officer Gustl provide a lighter, romantic counter-line. Eventually, Lisa and Sou-Chong realize that their love is impossible and they say goodbye. Bekende Aria’s: Dein ist mein ganzes herz – Bei een Thee à deux – Meine Liebe, deine Liebe – Zig, zig, zig – Ich möcht weer einmal die Heimat sehn – Immer nur Lächeln. Cast Ange De Wulf, Cédric Dhaenens, Jef Groven, Anne-Marie Wijnant, Dirk Daelemans & Aquila choir Musical direction Aquila orchestra Ballet Koninklijke Diestse Balletschool Josée Nicola