The opera Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is currently being performed at the Marseille Opera, following earlier shows in Toulouse, Dijon, and Montpellier. The production has a nearly entirely new cast, with Nicolas Courjal no longer in the title role. Dario Solari has returned to play Don Juan, a character known for his arrogance and hedonistic, manipulative behavior. Solari's vocal strength and magnetic stage presence are seen as key highlights of the performance.
Marc Barrard plays Leporello, Don Juan's loyal servant, bringing both technical precision and humor to the role. Cyrille Dubois delivers a compelling performance as Don Ottavio, showcasing a rich, youthful voice. The three female leads—Salomé Jicia as Donna Anna, Margaux Poguet as Donna Elvira, and Floriane Hasler as Zerlina—each bring unique vocal qualities and character depth. Hasler’s Zerlina is praised for her flexible soprano, though she seems less comfortable in more seductive moments. Louis Morvan’s Masetto is noted for his warm, full sound, and Mischa Schelomianski adds flair as the Commendatore.
The production's setting is described as urban and timeless, with medieval-style buildings that could represent either Venice or Seville. The stage design allows for dynamic shifts in space, enhanced by lighting from Bertrand Couderc. Costumes by Pierre-Jean Larroque draw inspiration from classical paintings, with references to artists such as Raphael and Tintoret.
The orchestra and choir of the Marseille Opera are praised for their skill under the direction of Lawrence Foster, who provides a traditional and grounded interpretation of the opera. However, some inconsistencies in supporting the singers are noted.
Agnès Jaoui’s staging of Don Giovanni portrays Don Juan as an abusive and manipulative figure, focusing on his control over women and his twisted behavior. This interpretation is described as modern and connects to themes explored in her film The Object of the Crime, released in May of the previous year, which addressed issues related to the #MeToo movement.
The performance in Marseille continues until October 11, with a final run planned for March of the following year at the Grand Theatre de Tours.
Agnès Jaoui's Don Giovanni Staged in Marseille with Revised Cast and Modern Interpretation
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