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Met Opera's Rush 'Macbeth' Director Astonishes
20 Sep
Summary
- Director Louisa Proske took on the Met's 'Macbeth' with 11 months' notice.
- Proske founded Heartbeat Opera, known for imaginative, low-budget productions.
- Gelb has already offered Proske two future operas due to his confidence.
Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb unexpectedly offered director Louisa Proske the chance to stage Verdi's "Macbeth" for the 2026-27 season. This plum assignment came with an 11-month deadline, a significant acceleration from the Met's typical three-to-four-year production timelines. Proske, known for her work with Heartbeat Opera, embraced the challenge.
Proske's directorial approach, honed at Heartbeat Opera, emphasizes artistic fundamentals and imaginative productions, often on modest budgets. This background proved invaluable for the Met's rapid turnaround. Her successful handling of "Macbeth" has already led Gelb to commission two additional future operas from her.
Having previously directed Shakespeare's "Macbeth" as an undergraduate, Proske brought a deep understanding of the text to rehearsals. She focused on narrative and character, balancing the opera's epic scale with intimate storytelling. Her ability to draw out strong performances, treating singers like actors, was noted by the cast.
