On this episode of Center Stage with Mark Gordon, filmmaker Christine La Monte discusses her new documentary Ai Weiwei’s Turandot, which follows artist and activist Ai Weiwei as he makes his operatic directorial debut at the Rome Opera House.

Known for his fearless art and political engagement, Ai Weiwei reimagines Puccini’s classic opera Turandot as a reflection of today’s world, where freedom, identity, and resistance collide. La Monte shares insights about working with Ai Weiwei, navigating the impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and creating a film that explores how art can challenge, provoke, and inspire.

🎧 Center Stage with Mark Gordon is produced in Los Angeles and features conversations with the filmmakers, artists, and storytellers shaping culture today.

Ai Weiwei’s Turandot: Art, Activism, and the Power of Opera

Center Stage pulls back the curtain on the creative minds shaping film, television, music, and the arts. Join host Mark Gordon as they sit down with award-winning directors, groundbreaking writers, legendary performers, and rising talents for deep-dive conversations that explore the passion, struggles, and triumphs behind their work. From behind-the-scenes stories to creative breakthroughs, each episode brings you closer to the heart of the storytellers who move us. Whether you're a fan of unforgettable films, gripping documentaries, powerful performances, or innovative storytelling, Center Stage is your front-row seat to the art—and the artists—who inspire us all.