Operatic names like Micaëla, Cenerentola, Mimi and Figaro conjure up smiles as we think of how good and kind they are. Some triumph in the end by finding love or wealth while others become saints in our eyes as they give up their very essence, but before they touch our hearts. I am not interested in them today.
Today I am concerned with those who scheme, lie, steal, kill and manipulate others in order to get what they want. I am interested in finding the most dastardly of them all to rule a band of operatic bad guys (and girls). So today I present you, the audience, with 13 of the most heinous, foul souls to appear in opera. Each will offer their specific reasons of why they should be at the helm of this new organization known as the League of Operatic Villains Extraordinaire (LOVE). You, dear opera fans, will vote for your choice.
Iago
With a tongue of silken poison, and a smile of great disdain,
I ignite fury and confusion, to those with much to gain,
In this existence I seek only to prove, that God above sets us here to lose
For passing me over, many will suffer so that I may seek my revenge undercover
Half-truths, innuendo and dreadful questions I raise
Upon your death, my sole intention is to gaze.
Dr. Bartolo
I am a man with only two needs: a pretty young woman and all of her wealth. I am smart, charming, and like things of a vintage nature (not any of this new-fangled operatic crap!) Some have said I am a curmudgeon; well I say they can suck it! I have great scheming skills and am able to spot when I am being lied to (that’s right Figaro!) I have such a powerful and interesting personality that I appear in TWO operas. That’s more than any of these other hacks can say!
Duke of Mantua
I have the wealth, the resources, the regal bearing and most of all the charm to run any organization of ill-repute. If I had one vice, it would be that I love and love a lot. I mean, A LOT! What can I say; I believe in enjoying life’s greatest pleasures and because of my handsome face, seem to have the greatest of luck. Nothing bad EVER happens to me. Besides, what better person to be the face of an organization named LOVE?
Salome
Beautiful I have been called; a youthful seductress. Alluring with a sense of…what was that? Childlike innocence entangled with a sense of decadence. Mother says I deserve whatever I desire. Is that music playing? I am a strong-willed lady with many “layers” and my body yearns to be touched. He’s really handsome…I must have him. I am a Princess and love to be bathed in the finest…He is REALLY cute…I must have him! What was I saying? Yes, powerful, elegant and…Why don’t you love me? I won’t be ignored! …A flower ready to be plucked. I dream of intertwining my flesh with the scent and body of a man whose weak, yet strong, powerful, yet gentle, BEAUTIFUL YET UGLY! I’m sorry, what was I saying? He is REALLY, REALLY cute!!
Scarpia
Unlike all of you, I already have great power as a member of the Secret Police. I have a connection to the church and the government and am able to bend people to my will; even most operatic sopranos. I am not afraid to lie to get exactly what I want and I have a highly organized and loyal network of spies. I am clearly the best man for the job.
The Four Villains
Each one of us possess extraordinary powers, but combined we are the ultimate super villain!
I, Coppélius, have super strength, able to rip through metal and steel (even life-size dolls)
I, Dr. Miracle, possess great knowledge of black magic and can conjure the dead to do my will
I, Dappertutto, have the ability to steal souls
And I, Lindorf, am a master of intrigue, able to achieve almost any goal
Individually we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!
John Claggart
I am simply a man who hates beauty and goodness.
Perfection sickens me and I will do whatever I can to destroy it.
The cheeriness of those who walk freely devoid of the weight of the world turn my stomach
I will not rest until all beauty and goodness is wiped off the face of the earth.
And I will begin with him.
Mephistophélès
I am the Devil. Any questions?
The Queen of the Night
I possess great power and once I have destroyed Sarastro, I will double that power with the Circle of the Sun. I do this all so that my daughter, an innocent, may be able to make the correct choice and side with darkness. I believe in a world where women are the dominant sex! Under the cover of darkness, I command my army of women to destroy all men so that we, the beautiful ones, will reign supreme!
Nick Shadow
By pretending to be human, I take souls to Hell
Leading them towards a path where things do not go well
Appearing as advisor, confidant and friend
With finesse I lead them to a doomed end
Idle hands I give much to do
Be careful, watch your back or it might just be you.
Don Pizarro
If you disagree with my leadership style then I just might have to tuck you away in a cell for all of time. I am not afraid of corruption, lies and even murder, if it means that I retain my powerful hold on the jail system. Ruling with an iron fist has proven to be wise as it keeps everyone that works for me in check. It also distracts them from asking too many questions. I only trust a few and am constantly flanked by my guards, my sword and most of all, my trusty dagger. I have the intellect, the connections and the requisite drive to lead this organization and will keep its trusted secrets from ever reaching the surface.
Witch
There seems to be some mistake as to why I am here. I am a simple lady who loves to make sweet things. I love to live alone and rarely bother anyone…unless they stumble into my “neck of the woods.” By nature I adore fruits and vegetables and dine upon a steady diet of all sorts of desserts. But once in a while I get a little craving for…flesh and I must say I seem to lose all control when someone, I mean something, delicious finds its way to my gingerbread house. I especially love plump, tender boys as they have a little more meat on their bones. I already have a network of daycare centers set up where parents drop off their young ones. Then, using my magical powers, I do a forgetful spell that makes parents forget where their child is. They go about posting missing child photos here and there while I escape with their tasty little morsel! Eventually I will have them all and then make the biggest, most delectable kiddy pot pie you’ve ever tasted! But other than I am just a little old lady who likes nature and decorating my home.
Don Giovanni
All I care about is the conquest of the most beautiful, the most powerful, the most fragile and even the most difficult. Champagne, women and feast are the most decadent things in the world and I will do anything, ANYTHING to have them. I have lied, raped, and killed and I feel absolutely no remorse. Why should I? There is nothing beyond this life and if there is, I am not afraid. I am a man who believes that life is for the taking and those who stand in my way, well, they don’t for long.
Now ladies and gentlemen: Place your votes by leaving a comment on this page. The top 5 vote-getters will be announced in one week and then, after another round of voting, the head of the League of Operatic Villains Extraordinaire will be named!
Peace,
Eric
Friday, September 13, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Fidelio in Bollywood
What do you get when you take a heroic opera originally written in German about a woman who disguises herself as a man to rescue her husband whose been missing for two years and mix it with traditional elements of Bollywood films of the 50s and 60s? You get what is certain to be one of the most interesting productions I have worked on in years, that's what!
I am currently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin preparing to make my debut with Skylight Music Theatre in the role of the villainous Don Pizarro in Beethoven's only opera "Fidelio." Skylight's 2013-14 season is all about struggle, escape and liberation and "Fidelio" is the epitome of a "rescue opera." Florestan has been imprisoned for revealing the corruption of Don Pizarro, a prison Governor. His wife Leonore has disguised herself as a man named Fidelio and has taken up employment in the very jail cell where she believes Florestan is imprisoned. Working alongside the lead jailor Rocco, she searches for him. Complications ensue as Rocco's daughter Marzelline falls in love with Fidelio and Rocco agrees that the two can marry. Pizarro receives word that Don Fernando has become aware of his corruption and is making a surprise inspection. He decides to murder Florestand and enlists Rocco to dig the grave. Leonore insists to Rocco that he needs help in the cell and he agrees. Finding her husband she is terrified b his sight, but relieved that he is alive. Pizarro enters to commit the murder, but Leonore throws herself in front of her husband revealing that she is his wife. The sound of a trumpet announces the arrival of Fernando and upon his arrival Rocco reveals the truth about Pizarro's plan. Pizarro is taken away and everyone rejoices at the reunited couple and the power of love. The opera is quintessential Beethoven--intense struggle through darkness towards the eventual release into the light.
Taking that as the base, Skylight is adding elements of 50s and 60s Bollywood which include strong presentational gestures, scenes that burst into colorful life with song and dance numbers and characters that are based on very specific archetypes. The wonderful choreographer Deepa Devasena and Associate Stage Director Edwin Cahill along with the leadership of Artist Director Viswa Subbaraman are melding the dramatic, melodic and visual worlds of opera and Bollywood into a thrilling cohesive drama.
Here is the promotional postcard announcing the dates:
Repetiteur Jaime Johns plays the score and keeps us in check.
This is just a small glimpse into what my scores look like:
And here is the model for the set for the production. Notice the large tree on the right side and the colorful cut out set against the dark set. These are strong elements of Bollywood film.
And here are two of my favorite elements of the production: My costume and my dagger!
Between the villain gestures of Bollywood, the in-depth character analysis of Don Pizarro and what makes him tick and the glorious music of Beethoven, I am looking forward to a production that will offer a fresh take on a wonderful opera and hopefully present new colors to the characters of the opera. And maybe a big Bollywood dance routine at the end!
Peace,
Eric
I am currently in Milwaukee, Wisconsin preparing to make my debut with Skylight Music Theatre in the role of the villainous Don Pizarro in Beethoven's only opera "Fidelio." Skylight's 2013-14 season is all about struggle, escape and liberation and "Fidelio" is the epitome of a "rescue opera." Florestan has been imprisoned for revealing the corruption of Don Pizarro, a prison Governor. His wife Leonore has disguised herself as a man named Fidelio and has taken up employment in the very jail cell where she believes Florestan is imprisoned. Working alongside the lead jailor Rocco, she searches for him. Complications ensue as Rocco's daughter Marzelline falls in love with Fidelio and Rocco agrees that the two can marry. Pizarro receives word that Don Fernando has become aware of his corruption and is making a surprise inspection. He decides to murder Florestand and enlists Rocco to dig the grave. Leonore insists to Rocco that he needs help in the cell and he agrees. Finding her husband she is terrified b his sight, but relieved that he is alive. Pizarro enters to commit the murder, but Leonore throws herself in front of her husband revealing that she is his wife. The sound of a trumpet announces the arrival of Fernando and upon his arrival Rocco reveals the truth about Pizarro's plan. Pizarro is taken away and everyone rejoices at the reunited couple and the power of love. The opera is quintessential Beethoven--intense struggle through darkness towards the eventual release into the light.
Taking that as the base, Skylight is adding elements of 50s and 60s Bollywood which include strong presentational gestures, scenes that burst into colorful life with song and dance numbers and characters that are based on very specific archetypes. The wonderful choreographer Deepa Devasena and Associate Stage Director Edwin Cahill along with the leadership of Artist Director Viswa Subbaraman are melding the dramatic, melodic and visual worlds of opera and Bollywood into a thrilling cohesive drama.
Here is the promotional postcard announcing the dates:
Repetiteur Jaime Johns plays the score and keeps us in check.
This is just a small glimpse into what my scores look like:
And here is the model for the set for the production. Notice the large tree on the right side and the colorful cut out set against the dark set. These are strong elements of Bollywood film.
And here are two of my favorite elements of the production: My costume and my dagger!
Between the villain gestures of Bollywood, the in-depth character analysis of Don Pizarro and what makes him tick and the glorious music of Beethoven, I am looking forward to a production that will offer a fresh take on a wonderful opera and hopefully present new colors to the characters of the opera. And maybe a big Bollywood dance routine at the end!
Peace,
Eric
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
