The Making of The Cunning Little Vixen: Production Diary #1 (New Approach to Opera Staging)

YouTube ^ | 3/12/15 | The Cleveland Orchestra

[randita]

We'd like to give you an exclusive first look at this season's opera production, Leoš Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen. Conducted by Franz Welser-Möst and featuring an internationally-renowned cast of singers, this unique, made-for-Cleveland production will feature stunning digital animation, projected behind the Orchestra on three giant 26-foot screens. This production diary is the first of four that will take you behind the scenes and immerse you in the creation of this innovative production.

See YouTube link for details:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O1T2j3PPFs&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=mail2&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TheMakingofTheCunningLittleVixen%3AProductionDiary%231

[randita]

This production is groundbreaking. There was a professional event a couple weeks ago at Severance Hall, and the animators from LA setup the projection and were demonstrating/testing how it would work. It's basically a paradigm shift in opera performance, because it allows the orchestra to play on stage (where the acoustics are the best) and permits the singers to perform with an interactive projected set. Behind the projection screens are three levels of catwalks. The animated characters move about the screen to specific locations where the singers then open head-sized portholes in the screen and sing. The projection screens are slanted backwards at a 45 degree angle, so the singers can stand natural when they are singing through the portholes. The singers will have face makeup, wigs, etc., but their bodies will be the projected images. There is also a catwalk in front of the screen that is accessed by a door in the screen. With this setup, orchestras with traditional performing spaces, such as Severance Hall, can present operas without sacrificing acoustics or visuals.

[randita]

ping

[BenLurkin]

Cleveland ping

[sitetest]

Ping.

[left that other site]

My first live opera experience was in MIT’s Kresge Auditorium. It was the Premier performance of Sarah Caldwell’s brand new Opera Company of Boston.

The small, round auditorium was used brilliantly to create a brand new experience of ‘The Flying Dutchman”, using rear screen projection, Antiphonal choristers scattered around the audience, and storm clouds projected upon the ceiling.

It was quite innovative for 1968, and got some criticism at the time for not being “traditional”.

However, Wagner’s intent for his “musical dramas” included a lot of stagecraft that was not available at the time, so he had his own theater constructed at Bayreuth for his productions.

That being said, too much animation and gimmicks can spoil an opera, especially the “Reality Shows” like Carmen, La Boheme, and La Traviata. If the theme is exotic or magical, or involve mythical gods and goddesses, Bring It On! LOL!

[NewHampshireDuo]

I attended a number of Caldwell’s productions when I was going to school in Boston, late 60s and early 70s. Very memorable.

As to Vixen, it’s one of my favorite operas. I’ve yet to see a live production but I collect all of the CDs and DVDs. This new production sounds very interesting.

[onedoug]

‘Love opera, but it’s way too expensive for me these days.

[left that other site]

I am not familiar with “Vixen” so it is something new for me to explore! :-)

[left that other site]

I hear you!

I am in the same boat.

It is unfortunate, because people who love the arts can no longer afford to support them!

[NewHampshireDuo]

For a DVD version, I really like the Tháâtre du Chatelet production under MacKerras.

[left that other site]

Thanks for the tip!

I will check if netflix has that.