THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE SIMIAN

A friend writes: 'I was lucky enough to see [at the Manchester International Festival] the premier of Monkey: Journey to the West, the new Damon Albarn/Jamie Hewitt creation in the form of a Chinese opera based on the myth (you must remember Monkey from the old days). It was truly sensational, it had everything. I don't know if they plan on going global, but judging by the reviews they will, and when it ends up Stateside, you should have a peek. It really is amazing.'

The following from Pitchfork Media

Eff that Cirque du Soleil racket. What your date really wants to see this season is Monkey: Journey to the West, the previously mentioned "circus opera" from director Chen Shi-Zheng, featuring an original score by one Damon Albarn and visual design work by Gorillaz artiste Jamie Hewlett. Yes, Monkey: Journey to the West - with "over 40 Chinese acrobats, Chinese vocalists and performing martial artists" and a story "based on an ancient Chinese legend" (so says the MySpace) - will bring you miles closer to your date's heart and/or pants than the usual Chinese takeout and Big Trouble in Little China viewing (on VHS, of course). Good news for aspiring lovebirds in Manchester, Paris, and Berlin: Monkey is heading to a performance space near you!

FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/43661-damon-albarn-scored-imonkeyi-circus-opera-tours

DAMON ALBARN AND JAMIE HEWITT TALK ABOUT 'MONKEY' ON YOUTUBE