It was just the highly theatrical presentation that proved a challenge.

As this production was never going to be seen as a complete four-opera cycle, everyone involved seemed to have given up on a serious theatrical presentation.

They rejected traditional values of technique and theatrical presentation, focusing on pedestrian moves and eschewing conventional spaces, performing on rooftops, in the street, in gymnasiums.

The event has turned into a three-day spectacle, complete with a theatrical presentation of the weigh-ins and hours of television coverage.

It also has a theatrical presentation for large groups of students including entire schools, as well as a mobile puppet show.