Movie spotlight
Platée
The prologue sets the stage for the action: Thespis, Momus and Thalie announce the subject of the play. It is a comedy mocking the folly of man...and the story of a trap set by Jupiter to cure Juno of her jealousy. The trap? It consists in convincing the water nymph Platée that Jupiter is in love with her. Mercury officially declares Jupiter’s love to Platée. When the god appears before her – first as a donkey, then an owl - the nymph calls on the birds of the marshes, but they scare Jupiter away. Luckily he quickly returns and declares his love for Platée. He even wants to marry her. La Folie comes to sing for the fiancée during an absolutely chaotic scene. However, as the couple prepares for the wedding, Juno arrives. Furious, she puts an end to the farce and ascends to the heavens with Jupiter. Humiliated, Platée understands she has been duped. She swims off into the marshes, as the chorus sings an ironic song in her honour.
Insights
Plot Summary
The opera 'Platée' by Jean-Philippe Rameau tells the story of Platée, a water nymph, who is tricked by Jupiter into believing he will marry her. The comedy unfolds as Platée is adorned and paraded, only to discover the deception and Jupiter's true love for Juno. It's a witty exploration of vanity, illusion, and the power of love.
Critical Reception
This production of Rameau's 'Platée' by Robert Carsen has been widely acclaimed for its innovative staging and masterful interpretation of the Baroque opera. Critics lauded the blend of visual spectacle, humor, and musical brilliance, highlighting the performances and the thoughtful direction that brought the work to life for modern audiences.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its clever and visually striking modern staging of a Baroque masterpiece.
Acclaimed for the superb musical performances and Rameau's ingenious score.
Celebrated for its successful infusion of humor and wit into the operatic form.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this opera production is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
While specific awards for the 2002 production may not be widely documented, Robert Carsen's productions are consistently recognized for their artistic merit and innovative approaches to opera.
Fun Fact
Jean-Philippe Rameau's 'Platée' was originally composed for the wedding celebrations of Louis, Dauphin of France, to Maria Josepha of Bavaria in 1745, though it was performed earlier and was not intended as a wedding opera.
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