Movie spotlight
Cosi Fan Tutte
There are elements of Eurotrash in this outdoor Aix-en-Provence summer opera production. Nevertheless, the splendid singing and acting transform the story, normally treated as farce, into something considerably more serious. As many other critics have noted, the young lovers have not yet sorted everything out as this performance ends. Act One begins with the principal characters running around in the outdoor theater -- while the audience takes it in as if they had been advised to sit back and enjoy the novelty. Very likely they were also asked to refrain from applauding at the end of arias and ensemble pieces, in which the three-hour opera abounds.
Insights
Plot Summary
This production of Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" is set in the 1930s at a military base in Naples. It follows the story of two officers, Ferrando and Guglielmo, who, upon a bet with the cynical Don Alfonso, decide to test the fidelity of their fiancées, Dorabella and Fiordiligi. The officers disguise themselves and attempt to seduce each other's lovers, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic complications that explore the nature of love, loyalty, and deception.
Critical Reception
Jonathan Miller's production of 'Cosi Fan Tutte' was generally well-received for its intelligent direction and adherence to the spirit of Mozart's opera. Critics appreciated the clarity of the staging and the effectiveness of the 1930s setting in enhancing the drama. The performances were often praised, though some noted that the vocal demands of the opera were challenging for all cast members. Overall, it was seen as a thoughtful and engaging interpretation of a classic work.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intelligent and clear direction by Jonathan Miller.
The 1930s Neapolitan military base setting was seen as an effective choice.
Performances were generally strong, though vocally demanding.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific production is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Jonathan Miller, known for his diverse career in medicine, theatre, and television, brought a unique perspective to directing this opera, focusing on the psychological aspects of the characters' relationships.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources