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Akhmetshina Shines in Dark 'Don Giovanni' Revival
11 Sep
Summary
- Holten's revival focuses on Don Giovanni's psychology post-#MeToo.
- Visuals, including video projections, enhance the opera's dark themes.
- Aigul Akhmetshina delivers a standout performance as Donna Elvira.
The Royal Opera House presents a revival of Kaspar Holten's 2014 staging of Mozart and Da Ponte's "Don Giovanni," directed by Greg Eldridge. The production, set between 1850 and 1900 with semi-stylised costumes by Anja Vang Kragh and a revolving set by Es Devlin, emphasizes the Don's psychology in a post-#MeToo era.
Luke Halls' video design, featuring projections of names and imagery, complements Bruno Poet's lighting. These visuals, including those during the Champagne Aria, rarely detract from the central narrative. Holten's direction intensifies the focus on Don Giovanni's unraveling psyche, with ghostly figures representing his past conquests.
However, the portrayal of the opera's women is noted as less successful. Donna Elvira's character arc is weakened, and Donna Anna struggles to connect with Don Ottavio. Zerlina is the only woman shown actively seeking revenge.
The cast features Gordon Bintner as Don Giovanni and Roberto Tagliavini as Leporello. Aigul Akhmetshina is praised for her powerful and passionate Donna Elvira, while Rachel Willis-Sørensen performs as Donna Anna. Bogdan Volkov sings Ottavio, Giulia Semenzato is Zerlina, and Andreas Bauer Kanabas plays the Commendatore.
Stefano Montanari conducts a dynamic performance of the score, although occasional coordination issues between the orchestra and the stage were observed.
