Intermezzo

Castellucci's Parsifal rides again

The most extraordinary opera production I've seen in a very long time, Romeo Castellucci's Parsifal for La Monnaie, has been captured on film. It will be shown at the Avignon Festival on 22 July, and possibly on the Mezzo TV channel too. I doubt if the production could ever be revived in its original format, for logistical reasons, so catch it if you can.

Straight from the Redeemer himself, Andrew Richards.

Parsifal - La Monnaie does it Romeo Castellucci's way

Parsifal - Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie Brussels, 30 January 2010

ENO are you reading? This is how you bring new blood into opera. Romeo Castellucci's operatic experience may be zero, but he's a seasoned theatrical hand with visual flair, wide-ranging technical skills, a probing intellect, a loyal, talented supporting team and a willingness to push the boundaries. And of course a desire to do the job in the first place without being cajoled. How many of ENO's recent first-timers have demonstrated even one of those qualities?  In the face of his numerous practical qualifications, his unique artistic vision seems almost like a bonus.