Theater production highlights Da Ponte's life

A new theatrical production at the Théâtre de Passy is showcasing the life of Lorenzo Da Ponte, the librettist behind some of Mozart's most famous operas. The show, titled Da Ponte, le bouffon de Mozart, features eight young actors, musicians, and lyric singers who recount Da Ponte's extraordinary life through music. Directed by Corinne Jahier, the production includes an energetic staging with mobile sets and Venetian carnival costumes.

Da Ponte's early life and challenges

Lorenzo Da Ponte, born Emanuele Conegliano in 1749 in a Jewish family in Venice, was converted to Christianity after his father's remarriage. His revolutionary ideas, influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, led to his expulsion from the Church and his eventual departure from Venice for moral offenses. He later moved to Vienna, the cultural and musical capital of Europe.

Da Ponte's collaboration with Mozart

Da Ponte's collaboration with the young Mozart in Vienna led to his notoriety, as he composed the librettos for three of Mozart's most famous operas: Les Noces de Figaro in 1786, Don Giovanni in 1787, and Cosi fan tutte in 1790. The production includes performances of the most beautiful arias from these operas by soprano Alix Gallois, mezzo Jeanne Kichilov, and baritone Alexandre Martin-Varroy.

Play based on Da Ponte's memoirs

The play, written by Dominique Tirone-Fernandez, is inspired by Da Ponte's Mémoires. It portrays the comedic and dramatic elements of his life, including his eventual move to New York, where he attempted to survive in a liquor and tobacco business after financial ruin. The show is described as joyful, edifying, and well performed, capable of charming audiences through music.