The show features a pyramid which turns into a sphinx

The Shanghai stadium has been recreated as ancient Egypt, complete with a 30m high pyramid which turns into a giant sphinx.

Organisers say the tickets sold out long ago, yet the event has not been without its problems.

The original cast of 100 elephants, camels, lions and tigers had to be cut to just 17 because of worries about audience safety.

Some local media criticised the expense involved in assembling such a lavish show for just one night.

A second performance has now been added, with most of the leading roles taken by local understudies.

That does at least mean cheaper tickets for locals who complained about the high prices.

Subtitles

But doubts have been raised as to whether Verdi's tender tale of the doomed love of an Egyptian soldier for Aida, the daughter of the King of Ethiopia, will survive the transition to the giant stadium.

One paper said the acoustics were doubtful and the audience would struggle to see the Chinese subtitles even with binoculars.

Nevertheless, Shanghai officials are determined to turn the city's arts festival into an event of international stature, with performances by stars like Spanish dancer Joaquin Cortes and a new biennial art exhibition.

Participants include modern Chinese painters as well as installation artists and video makers from Japan, Taiwan and the US.

Shanghai officials have been on inspection tours to events like the Edinburgh international arts festival in an attempt to pick up new ideas.