Damon for Monkey King?

Damon Albarn is preparing to premiere his brand new opera Monkey: Journey to the West at the first Manchester International Festival.

Monkey: Journey to the West is based on the Chinese legend of the Monkey King's enlightenment and will contain music scored by Albarn. The opera will include a cast of 40 Chinese circus acrobats, singers and martial arts performers.

The festival is due to take place from June 28th to July 15th 2007.