Royal Opera House Revives Richard Jones's Staging of Handel's Alcina
Quick Brief
The Royal Opera House in London has brought back its 2022 staging of Handel's opera Alcina. Directed originally by Richard Jones and revived by Sarah Fahie, the production features a desert-island storyline blending themes of sorcery and sex. Returning cast members include Lisette Oropesa in the title role of the enchantress.
What Happened?
The Royal Opera House in London revived its 2022 production of George Frideric Handel's opera Alcina. The staging, originally directed by Richard Jones with designs by Antony McDonald, was brought back under the direction of original movement director Sarah Fahie. The performance retains most of its original cast, featuring Lisette Oropesa leading the production as the enchantress Alcina. The staging contrasts a puritan cult against a sensual world, utilizing elaborate sets like a huge bed, greenhouse, and enchanted forest, alongside animal-masked prisoners.
Why It Matters
The revival highlights the ongoing contemporary staging choices for baroque opera, demonstrating how classic works like Handel's Alcina are adapted with vivid theatricality, humor, and distinct visual concepts to engage modern audiences at major venues like the Royal Opera House.
Key Facts
- The Royal Opera House in London is staging the revival of Handel's Alcina.
- The production is a revival of the 2022 staging originally directed by Richard Jones.
- Sarah Fahie, the original movement director, oversaw the current revival.
- Lisette Oropesa returns to star as the enchantress Alcina.
- Antony McDonald designed the production's mobile sets, which include a greenhouse and an enchanted forest.
Compiled from 1 outlet
Related Stories
Review: 1985 Estonian Film 'Smile at Last' Examined as a Soviet-Era Parable
A review of the 1985 Estonian film 'Smile at Last' highlights its unsentimental portrayal of a teenager attempting to escape a harsh residential facility. Directed by Leida Laius and Arvo Iho, the movie operates as a mysterious parable critiquing the Soviet state's claims of being a nurturing system. The production utilizes nonprofessional actors and handheld camerawork to capture an unvarnished rite of passage.
Photographers Rona Bar and Ofek Avshalom Feature Artist Duo Lois and Carey in 'Proof of Existence' Series
Photographers Rona Bar and Ofek Avshalom highlight artists Lois and her mother, Carey, in their photo project titled Proof of Existence. The series aims to transform models into exaggerated characters based on their personal attributes within everyday settings. The featured photograph captures the duo's unconventional expression of their Jewish identity and artistic home environment.
Opening Acts Withdraw from Ed Sheeran Tour Following Macklemore Dismissal Over Pro-Palestinian Remarks
Several supporting acts have exited Ed Sheeran's US tour in solidarity after fellow opening act Macklemore was dropped following pro-Palestinian remarks. The dismissals and subsequent walkouts have sparked significant industry backlash, including criticism from musician Roger Waters.
Merriam-Webster Adds 1,400 New Words and Definitions in Dictionary Update
Merriam-Webster has expanded its reference library by incorporating 1,400 new words and definitions. The update introduces fresh terminology to the dictionary.