2023-11-25 10:17:00
the essentials Warm welcome, Friday evening, at the Théâtre du Capitole for the premiere of “Boris Godunov”, a political opera by Modest Mussorgsky, shot through by the power of the choirs and the poignant interpretation of the madness of power.
Nothing has changed in Russia since the regent Boris Godunov, successor to Ivan the Terrible, took power in bloodshed in 1598, by assassinating the young Tsarevich Dimitri, the only heir at 8 years of age to the Riourikid dynasty. Changes in eras and political regimes have not softened the behavior of Russian leaders. In his enlightened staging, Olivier Py does not hesitate to multiply the references to modern and current Russia. We come across mercenaries in black and gray fatigues who seem to have escaped from the Wagner group. We enter the office of the heads of state of the Kremlin, recognizable by its immense and cold oval white marble table. Finally, Stalin and Putin, same fight, are gathered on a huge painting, greeting the people.
A manipulated and sacrificed people who appear as the true protagonist of Pushkin’s play adapted by Mussorgsky. A people who demand a tsar before condemning him but who also beg to be given bread in choruses of impressive strength and emotion throughout a spectacular performance. The sets and costumes by Pierre-André Weitz are grandiose. They give relief and color to the subject.
The magic of voices
The magic of an opera is also and above all the voices. The cast has no shortage of talent, starting with the one who opens the show. In the role of the Innocent, a fragile and lunar character, the only one capable of confronting the Tsar, tenor Kristopher Lundin is masterful. Very beautiful dramatic and vocal performance also for Sulkhan Jaiani as the leader of the mercenaries. In this bass recital, Alexander Roslavets admirably embodies the madness of power in the title role while Roberto Scandiuzzi is the soul complement of the monk Pimene. A great artist with a captivating voice. In the midst of all this bellicose testosterone, the rare female characters put their vocal talent at the service of fantasy. Starting with contralto Sarah Laulan in the role of the colorful innkeeper. To play Fiodor, the sovereign’s young son, mezzo soprano Victoire Bunel plays with the globe, which is reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin in “The Dictator”.
Finally, nothing would be possible without the musical mastery of the National Capitol Orchestra which found in the person of Latvian conductor Andris Poga, an alert and inventive baton.
Sunday November 26 and December 3 at 3 p.m., Wednesday November 29 and Friday December 1 at 8 p.m., at the Théâtre du Capitole (place du Capitole) in Toulouse. Duration: 2h10. Prices: 10 to 113€. Such. 05 61 63 13 13.
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