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Staging an opus
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Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen” comes to town this weekend with an Indian touch, writes MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY
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Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Getting ready for India The cast of the opera “Carmen” during a rehearsal
It is supposed to be the world’s most popular opera, and has been performed umpteen times across the globe, ever since its first performance in Paris in 1875. This weekend, the story of the beautiful seductress “Carmen” is set for its Indian debut. Brought to the Capital by The Neemrana Music Foundation in association with The Ashok hotel, this French opus was written by Georges Bizet. Keeping in mind the Indian milieu, “Carmen”, an enticing tale of love and betrayal, coupled with passionate music and touching voices, has partially shed its traditional elements to don an Indian look. Kathak dancer Aditi Mangaldas is choreographing the dance sequences.
Script change
The influence seeps into the script as well. The original setting in Spain makes way for Delhi this time. While Carmen, the fiery and beautiful gypsy girl working in a cigarette factory, becomes a beedi maker in this new version, the character of the bullfighter (Escamillo) is replaced by that of an actor from Delhi-wood (a spin-off on Bollywood).
Elsa Levy plays Carmen (the lead soprano), Franck Asparte plays the young soldier Don Jose (tenor), and the role of the actor is essayed by baritone Matthieu Lecroart.
“The opera can be transposed to any place, such is its storyline. It is a humane story that everyone can relate to across generations. The feeling of love, jealousy and passion remain the same worldwide,” explains Patricia Panton, the seasoned director of the opera. Talking about her research to ensure that the Indian elements fit into the presentation perfectly, she says she read books on India and consulted her Indian friends to ensure she didn’t get anything wrong. “I have tried to play it safe, without hurting anyone,” says Patricia, who earlier directed two operas for the Foundation as well. They were “The Fakir of Benaras” and “The Pearl Fishers”.
Produced by Francis Wacziarg, the founder of the Foundation, “Carmen” brings together French, Indian and Sri Lankan musicians and singers. Among the Indians are Sandeep Ray and Raja Singh on the violin. There are also a couple of Indian soloists and as many as 50 Indian singers from the Neemrana Opera Chorus to complete the Indian quotient.
The opera production has been undertaken on a grand scale with a budget of Rs.90 lakhs. Adds Francis, “It is not easy when you have to bring nearly 120 musicians on stage for a performance. It takes a lot of effort, time and money.”
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When: April 18, 19 and 20
Venue: Kamani auditorium
Timing: 7 pm on Friday, Saturday and 6 pm on Sunday
Tickets: Priced at Rs.250 and 500 at The Neemrana Shop, Khan Market, Alliance Francaise and The Quill and Canvas Store, Gurgaon
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