That previously reported opera thingy 'Monkey: Journey To The West' that Damon Albarn was working on is set to open the Manchester International Festival this summer. Commissioned by the festival, the work involves Shaolin Monks and a Chinese circus in depicted the legend of Monkey - as seen on UK TV in the seventies.
Festival director Alex Poots says: "Damon's taking the Monkey King story from China and turning it into a circus opera with a 45-piece circus troupe from China and Shaolin Monks and martial arts experts".
Sounds good. The Manchester International Festival takes place from 28 Jun - 15 Jul, and will also feature performances from the likes of Lou Reed, Smokey Robinson, Kayne West and Happy Mondays.