dw.com
Review: Life with an Idiot Opera
A review of Kirill Serebrennikov's production of Alfred Schnittke's opera "Life with an Idiot," highlighting its themes, artistic choices, and critical reception.
Russian
Germany
European UnionArtReviewPerformanceTheaterOpera
Opernhaus ZürichDw
Alfred SchnittkeViktor ErofeevKirill SerebrennikovVladimir LeninSusanna Emarhk
- How has the role of the main singer changed over the years?
- The lead singer, Susanna Emarhk, previously performed the role in Sweden 20 years prior; This new production has already garnered interest from a German theater for future staging, proving its global appeal and potential for further productions.
- What was the main point of Viktor Erofeev's review of the opera?
- Kirill Serebrennikov's production of Alfred Schnittke's opera "Life with an Idiot" premiered in Zurich on November 3rd, 2023. The librettist, Viktor Erofeev, praised the production as "brilliant," highlighting its exploration of the ever-present "idiot" in everyone's life.
- What is significant about the inclusion of a nude actor in the production?
- The production features a striking scene with a nude young man representing another facet of the "idiot." The audience's intense emotional response demonstrates the power and impact of Serebrennikov's artistic vision. The opera's success suggests a universality that transcends specific political contexts.
- How does the opera's depiction of the "idiot" differ from earlier interpretations?
- Erofeev describes the "idiot" as a dangerous, irrational figure that can be both alluring and destructive, a theme that Serebrennikov effectively captures in his staging. The opera avoids direct political commentary, focusing instead on a broader existential examination.
- What are the potential implications of the opera's success for future productions?
- While the original 1990s productions often interpreted the "idiot" as an allegory for Soviet oppression, this new production transcends that specific political reading, focusing on the more universal theme of the presence of irrationality in human existence.