Browsing all posts in "English National Opera".
Bloody Feet, Gore, and Opera: Castor et Pollux
by Melissa Wimbish Some would argue that bringing a bit of nastiness to Rameau is probably the only way to get seats filled. Others might keel over when they see the “anti-dance production” complete with bloody, bandaged feet. Nik Dasgupta of the Londonist reports on English National Opera’s first production of the 1754 French Baroque [...]
A “Half-Baked” Midsummer Night?
by Melissa Wimbish I’m not sure if I have ever read an opera review that begins this way… “Was [director] Christopher Alden high when he was watching The History Boys? Or has he just been overdosing on too many episodes of Skins?” Accusations of drug use might prompt one to think the production was bad, [...]
Who Wins a Raunchy Contest Between Anna Nicole and Lucrezia Borgia?
by Melissa Wimbish Seems like risque is the theme in London! With Covent Garden’s upcoming production of Anna Nicole and English National Opera’s “controversial” take on Lucrezia Borgia. According to reviewer Mark Swed, “Filmmaker Mike Figgis sets the scene with nudity, intercourse, incest, degradation, description of gang rape — as well as animating naughty Renaissance [...]
Gang Rape + Mozart = Does Not Compute
by Christie Connolley The English National Opera has come under fire for a new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni that features two scenes that imply gang rape. Is this a thoughtful and risque rendition of Mozart’s classic or is it pushing the envelope too far? In an interview with The Independent, Oliver Condy, editor of [...]
ENO back to being BOSSY with Tosca!
by Erica Papillion-Posey Seeing Tosca years ago, for the first time, was a moving, surreal experience for me. Being reared in a strict, devout Roman Catholic household, I was always taught the art of submission, tact and the classic southern bell mantra: “Speak only when spoken to” and ” A lady is to seen not heard.” [...]
Fishing for Mad Pearls Anyone? ENO Is….
“Fabulous” means “derived from fable”. The world Bizet creates in The Pearl Fishers is wildly over the top. Mass murder and sacrilege! Storms and steamy sex! This new production of Pearl Fishers at the ENO brings out the extremes in this opera in full glory and is truly fabulous. Extravagant plots need extravagant music and [...]
Terry Gilliam, Jack of all Trades
by Christie Connolley Terry Gilliam is an interesting and versatile artist. Gilliam started his career as an animator and member of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, he is also known as a successful screenwriter, actor, and film director. Some of his most memorable films include The Fisher King, 12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, [...]
Realism not so ‘REAL’ in Katya Kabanova
Stunning singing actress, Patricia Racette’s sublime performance in Czech composer, Janácek’s lyrical masterpiece, Katya Kabanova, wasn’t enough to cancel out thoughtless staging. David Alden’s new production was a muddy attempt at ‘realism.’ Trying to follow his double Olivier Award-winning production of Janácek’s Jenůfa, he fell short on this English National Opera production says Lewis Marceau of Operaticus.com. Read on for the [...]
Laurence Olivier 2010 award nominations announced
by Christie Connolley Every year the London Theater Society recognizes the best of London Theater with these awards named after legendary actor Laurence Olivier. This year the nominees in musicals and opera are: New Musical: Dreamboats and Petticoats, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Spring Awakening, Sister Act. Musical Revival: Annie, Get Your Gun, Hello Dolly!, [...]
