Megastar rapper Kanye West opened up his new Biblical opera show at the Hollywood Bowl last night.
Musical artist Sheck Wes took center stage in the production of “Nebuchadnezzar,” which, by all accounts, lived up to the billing as a “Biblical opera.”
Pitchfork described the production as an “elaborately staged performance featuring operatic singers, a choir in matching robes standing on an elevated horseshoe-shaped structure, hordes of robed performers lining the aisles of the Hollywood Bowl, narrative theatrics, costumes, masks, massive slabs of fruit, and so much more.”
The show’s narrative sought to illustrate King Nebuchadnezzar’s “transition from wicked, imperious, self-declared ruler to a true believer who finds salvation in his faith.”
While West wasn’t featured in the show itself, he did make an appearance at the end to receive the applause of the crowd. He was also tweeting pictures of his annotated Bible throughout as he worked his way through the book of Daniel via his artistic production — Kanye personally narrated the entire show, which was directed by acclaimed Italian performance artist, Vanessa Beecroft.
It didn’t all go to plan, however. On several occasions, Kanye narrated that Nebuchadnezzar “fell upon his face,” but Wes didn’t appear to get the memo and failed to do so. Kanye could be heard chuckling, prompting audible laughter from the sell-out crowd. The production also started two hours late, which frustrated some of the paying customers. But aside from those minor hiccups, it appears that West’s foray into the niche area of Biblical opera was a roaring success.
“I really loved it and I have a newfound respect for Kanye,” one attendee told Pitchfork. “I’m going to start attending Sunday Service.”
Last week, West made an appearance at Pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch, “Lakewood,” to talk about his newfound faith.
“Every time I stand up, I am drawing a line in the sand and saying I’m here in service for God,” the rapper declared to the multiple thousands in attendance.
“Following the Bible can free us all. Jesus can set you free. The more and more that this entire country follows Christ and sets the example that we are a Christian country.”
You can stream Kanye’s “Nebuchadnezzar” show on TIDAL.