Guys, I did it. I finally did it. Last Saturday, it happened.
Opera is lit af.
I couldn't possibly be more thrilled about this. Dialogue des Carmélites is not a blockbuster opera like Carmen or La Boheme, and yet, according to my brother, it was "lit AF". Beautifully performed in Wilfrid-Pelletier Hall of Place des Arts, it took everyone on a downward spiral through fear and sickness before leaving us sobbing in our seats. Overall, this new producation of the opera was from beginning to end emotionnally charged. I feel a lump in my throat just thinking about it... #nospoilers
a message that is still relevant today
It is certainly not because the opera was composed in the 1950's and that it is set during the French Revolution that the themes it presents are outdated or irrelevant to the world around us. I took a few minutes to chat with soprano Aidan Ferguson, who performs Mere Marie de l'Incarnation, and she brought up so many connections between the opera and our society:
Blanche is struggling with overcoming mental illness and looks to the convent as a safe place to heal. Unfortunately with the persecution of religion, her safe place is taken away from her. The solidarity of women is also a strong theme in this opera. All 5 of the lead roles are female, each character bringing their own strengths and struggles to the group. The dynamic shift that happens on stage as soon as a male enters is quite jarring.
Rings any bells? Bell Let's Talk, Women's Marches? I'll let you connect the dots.
Our high fives
NEW feature at the opera
Opera de Montreal now partners with ICI ARTV for the photobooth before the performance and during the intermission. There are props that you can use imaginatively to make memorable pictures. Not only are the pictures available online for free download, but you also get a printed one on the spot, just like a polaroid! #90sareback
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