Die Zeit, die ist ein sonderbar Ding
Transgender performance artist Justin Vivian Bond appropriated a symbol of operatic conservatism—the Marschallin’s costume as designed by Robert O’Hearn (and paid for by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.!)
By
La Cieca
For this weekend’s Fridays Under 40 event at the Met, transgender performance artist Justin Vivian Bond appropriated a symbol of operatic conservatism—the Marschallin’s costume as designed by Robert O’Hearn (and paid for by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.!) for the Met’s 1968-1969 season. This lavender robe à la française was previously worn by Renée Fleming in a 2009 revival of the Strauss-Von Hofmannsthal celebration of the ancien régime. (Photos: Bond via Facebook; Fleming by Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera)
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.
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Topics: justin vivian bond
