Two of the cher public (thanks, Paul and Michael!) have tipped La Cieca to what may be the ne plus ultra of operatic Regie, a new production of Un ballo in maschera in Erfurt. According to an article in the Telegraph, This “different . . . provocative” staging of the Verdi warhorse sets the tale of political intrigue “on the ruins of the World Trade Centre.”

As director Johann Kresnik explained in a press conference before the premiere. “The naked stand for people without means, the victims of capitalism, the underclass, who don’t have anything anymore.” Uh, naked? As in nude? Oh, but don’t worry. The supers playing the underclass in this production are not totally nude. (Mild but creepy NSFW content after the jump)

In other ways, the production is very traditional; for example, Kresnik delivers the classic Verdian image of Mickey Mouse beating up on Drag Hilter.

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

Comments