Damon Albarn Just Cannot Sit Still

This man needs a vacation! The Tripwire has info on his latest project involving, of all things, the opera.

With rumors of Blur reuniting, and the formation of two powerhouse super groups (Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & The Queen), one would think Mr. Damon Albarn would have his plate full. Luckily for us, this is not so. Now it appears that Damon is going to premiere his Monkey King opera this summer at the Manchester International Festival.

According to The Guardian, Albarn's opera has been commissioned by the first Manchester International that is taking place June 28-July 15, 2007. The opera is loosely based on the Chinese legend of the Monkey King's enlightenment, and a new cantata, with a silent film that will be performed by the Halle Orchestra and Chorus. Traditional Chinese and western instruments will be used in addition to some newly invented ones created for the opera. Keeping things in the family, the animations were created by the fabulous Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz, Tank Girl). Forty Chinese circus acrobats, singers and martial arts performers will also be on hand.

Sounds like quite the spectacle! Although I'd still rather have a new Blur album...

MP3: Blur - Beetlebum