"Rusalka" is an opera written by Antonín Dvořák that was first performed in Prague in 1901. It is a sad story, … , but it is also the basis to many modern-day mermaid stories and movies that you might know. In this production of Rusalka at the opera house of the Stuttgart state theaters, several of the characters – including Rusalka herself – were staffed twice, once by an actor and once by an actress. Only one of them sang, while the other one followed around, sort of like a shadow, but displaying the character’s emotional state and inner feelings. There were also some light and funny scenes, e.g., when three wood sprites (sirens, mermaids), all played by men, were teasing Rusalka’s father, the water goblin Vodník, with their feminine charms. This was one of the best, probably the best opera performance so far in my life.
I had an issue with my camera, for which reason I had to take some of the following pictures with my cellular phone.
Portrait of the evening.
Outfit of the evening, a black dress, black sandals, and a white blazer. Full-length mirror shot in the hotel lobby – leaving for the opera.
At the opera house of the Stuttgarter state theaters.
Back at the hotel bar after the performance, enjoying a Gin Tonic.
Full-length mirror shot in the hotel lobby – returning from the hotel bar (slightly tipsy).
What a nice outfit. I was very interested to read about this production of Rusalka as I love the composer. But its being the best opera performance you have ever seen makes it sound amazing and something I'd like to see too. Sue x
ReplyDeleteDear Sue, Thanks for your comment. Have you ever - during a theater performance - had your jaw drop in disbelief of what you saw and made eye contact with your unacquainted seat neighbour (a cis woman) who very quietly said to you "un-be-lievable"? This is what happened to me when the crossdressed male performer of Rusalka's dual character - on stage, sitting at a make-up table, looking into a camera, the picture of which was displayed over the entire width of the stage background - removed his make-up, his fake eyelashes, his jewelry, disrobed, and literally rose (on a steel cable) into the heavens. Love, Franzi
ReplyDeleteDas war sicher eine interessante Aufführung und Erfahrung enfemme. Ich glaube, die Oper habe ich auch mal gesehen. Hattest Du im Theater Komplimente für Deine Erscheinung und das Outfit bekommen?
ReplyDeleteAlles Liebe Violetta
Liebe Violetta, vielen Dank für Deinen Besuch und Kommentar. Leider keine Komplimente für Franziska. Aber das größte Kompliment ist für mich ja, wenn niemand den Eindruck vermittelt, etwas anderes vermutet, als eine schicke Frau zu sehen. Liebe Grüße, Franzi
ReplyDelete