Updating Opera? Halfway Won’t Do
By ANTHONY TOMMASINI
Published: September 30, 2009
ALTHOUGH opera might be healthier if die-hard fans were as intensely curious about new works as theatergoers are, you have to admire the passion with which opera enthusiasts defend the staples. Still, it makes me uncomfortable when I hear an opera lover, myself included, castigating a new production of a classic by saying, “It was a violation of Verdi.” Or, “The director just ignored the stage directions.” Or, “Wotan would never do that.” An opera score is not a sacred text. Directors should claim the freedom to reinterpret a work.
Published: September 30, 2009
ALTHOUGH opera might be healthier if die-hard fans were as intensely curious about new works as theatergoers are, you have to admire the passion with which opera enthusiasts defend the staples. Still, it makes me uncomfortable when I hear an opera lover, myself included, castigating a new production of a classic by saying, “It was a violation of Verdi.” Or, “The director just ignored the stage directions.” Or, “Wotan would never do that.” An opera score is not a sacred text. Directors should claim the freedom to reinterpret a work.
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