Genghis Khan gets the rock opera treatment

Mongol warlord Genghis Khan is best known as one of history's most bloodthirsty rulers and at first glance appears an unlikely subject for a Jesus Christ Super Star-type rock opera.

But in his native Mongolia a bizarre rock opera has just opened that gives the medieval empire builder the Genghis Khan Superstar treatment, claiming his softer, more appealing side has been unfairly overlooked.

"He was a good husband, a good son, and a good friend and I wanted to show him that way," said lyricist Dojpalem Ganzorig. "Not as a tyrant, which is how some people see him."

Non-Mongolian historians beg to differ; they say Genghis and his Mongol Hordes murdered an estimated 40 million people as they pillaged Asia and Eastern Europe.

Mongolians revere the warlord as their most famous son and the rock opera Chinghis Khan [Genghis' Mongolian name] has opened in dusty Ulan Bator to rave reviews.

It is the latest manifestation of a personality cult around the man who united warring tribes over seven hundred years ago to forge one of the most effective armies in the world.

"During Communism it was prohibited to talk about Khan," Ganzorig told NPR radio. "But he was in everyone's heart, everyone wanted to know him, be proud of him, and sing songs about him. Now we can do that."

The reason for staging the rock opera now is to coincide with the 800th anniversary of Mongolia's creation, an event Genghis brought about.

The production is loosely based on The Secret History of the Mongols - an account of Genghis' bloodthirsty life and times allegedly penned by his generals. It features 40 dancers, 60 singers, rock group The Black Wolves, and a 50-piece orchestra that mixes Mongol throat singing with electric guitars.

Genghis' image has already been used to sell vodka, chocolate and hotel rooms in Mongolia but the rock opera's composer, Taraa, insists the latest venture is not a marketing ploy.

"We are very proud of our heritage. It's not enough to produce vodka bottles with Khan labels. We need an intellectual product."

Guitarist Otgonbayar insists that the rock opera is a labour of love. "We don't want to profit. Our main goal is to incorporate Khan into Mongolian rock history."

- INDEPENDENT