“We’re presenting this emotionally powerful opera straight after Die Fledermaus, the waltzing pinnacle of Viennese operetta. I think people would find it interesting to see both titles in a row. Both are about a life driven by urges, even if the two operas take very different approaches with different musical idioms. Die Fledermaus shows a decadent, hypocritical society; the people may seem more civilised, but they are still essentially governed by their desires. The fact that this criticism of society can be expressed in the light-hearted, ironic ambience of an operetta helps put things into perspective.” The season ends with Boris Godunov, a grandiose opera but also a dark story... “Yes, this is a highly charged tale of the grim loneliness of a tsar who committed murder to seize the throne. And of the people who suffer from the fallout of the ensuing power struggle. Director Kirill Serebrennikov’s production will draw clear parallels with modern-day Russia. However harrowing the events may be, the strength of theatre lies precisely in allowing the audience to experience tragedy and then feel a sense of redemption or alleviation. In opera, the impact is even more profound due to the power of music. It’s the catharsis you can experience in the theatre. There’s something spiritual in that experience; for me, it’s about a sense of ‘healing’.” “I’m expecting that this experience will also be a big part of our new opera OUM. Director Kenza Koutchoukali and composer Bushra El-Turk, two fascinating contemporary opera-makers, draw inspiration from the music of the iconic Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum and the novel Visage retrouvé by writer and theatre director Wajdi Mouawad. Through conversations with our co-producers I’ve learned about the profound impact Oum Kalthoum has had on many people with Arab roots, including in the Netherlands. Her music is inherently healing. I love the fact that she is a starting point for this production in which we aim to unite artists, cultures and audience groups. I believe opera is an art form that can bring cultures together and ultimately create a connection, a feeling of ‘being complete’. And yes, perhaps you could call that ‘peace’. Creating something together and experiencing beauty together constitutes a message of hope.” together’’ i os paenr aa r t “I believe that can bring cultures form 17
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