"Greek" - An Anti-Opera

Philip Glass finds a new simplicity in an impressive première production of The Trial from Music Theatre Wales. 

Music Theatre Wales’ production of Salvatore Sciarrino’s The Killing Flower begins in darkness. Michael McCarthy’s highly stylized production fits with the music, which is a fitting interpretation of extreme emotions: love that knows no control and no reason.

Greek packs a punch. Especially in Music Theatre Wales’ simple production, here at the Royal Opera House Linbury Studio Theatre. Mark-Antony Turnage’s music brings Steven Berkoff’s play to life.

Combining Steven Berkoff’s brutally in-yer-face libretto with the gutsy music of Mark-Anthony Turnage was bound to be an explosive mix. The result was Greek, Turnage’s first opera (or, more accurately, Singspiel), first performed in 1988 and now given an inspiring new airing from Music Theatre Wales. Berkoff’s text was adapted from his own play, based on the Oedipus myth.

L'Opéra de Lyon propose pour la première fois le chef-d'œuvre de Britten à son public : une réussite tant visuelle que musicale, accueillie avec enthousiasme par les spectateurs. 

Proposée dans le cadre du festival annuel de l'Opéra de Lyon, la nouvelle production de l'ouvrage de Puccini ne prend pas vraiment, et laisse l’impression d’une promesse incomplètement tenue.