Play explores Verdi's personal life
A play titled Verdi, written by Pierre-Olivier Scotto, is being performed at the Théâtre Hébertot until December 8. It follows Giuseppe Verdi's life, starting from a childhood curse he supposedly made against a priest to the creation of his Requiem, all imagined by the author.Characters reflect personal relationships
The play features Emanuele Muzio, played by Guillaume Petit, who is shown as a student, friend, and possibly a lover of Verdi. He is jealous of Giuseppina Strepponi and demands Verdi choose between her and him, adding emotional depth to the narrative.Setting and style focus on emotion
The play is set backstage, avoiding strict historical accuracy to focus on Verdi's emotional life. This approach is inspired by the book Verdi by Roselyne Bachelot, which emphasizes personal rather than political aspects of the composer's life.Musical and dramatic elements blend
The performance includes musical excerpts from Verdi's operas, performed by soprano Parveen Savart. She sings roles like Abigaille and Violetta and also acts as a comedian portraying Teresa Stolz or Giuseppina Strepponi, interacting with Noémie Bianco, who plays Verdi.Multiple roles and creative direction
Raymond Acquaviva plays Verdi and also directs the play, wearing grey costumes inspired by the paintings of Boldini. Pierre-Olivier Scotto takes on several roles, including conductor, impresario, and coffee shop attendant, adding to the play's dynamic and layered presentation.Performance schedule and staging
The play is noted for its lively staging, with projections that keep the performance engaging. It runs every Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., and on Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
