Hasn't it always been the opera convention that the skin, nationality, sometimes even gender doesn't really matter and apply between the character and the performer? I think I've been thrilled by so many girls in trouser roles so as to possibly even question my sexuality based on that fact alone.
(I'm mentioning this also because two days ago the Met streamed this excellent rendition of Turandot, so yes, tens of people in yellowface, sometimes singing about their home back in the bamboo and it was still absolutely awesome)
But I can't help but notice you mention only the lyrics/concept, which was never the main pull for me. How about the music? Is it even 2/3 of the quality of The Source? Because if it is, I'm definitely diving into that one.