LNOBT‘s latest production of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera "Don Carlo" immediately turned into one of the most significant theatre events, and the extremely diverse opinions that it caused only prove the fact that this version of G. Verdi’s masterpiece generates a very strong impact on its viewers. And how could it be any different? After all, "Don Carlo", belonging to the grand opera genre, is a majestic work of art, encompassing wonderful musical material, impressive historical characters and dramatic storyline.
G. Verdi’s "Don Carlo" was first unveiled to the audiences in 1867, in Paris. Opera itself was written after Friedrich Schiller’s play. The latter contained everything that G. Verdi was looking for: having left behind superficial dramatic theatricality and librettos filled with romantic passions, he settled upon works that displayed a great deal of concealed tragedy. These works no longer possessed the overactive action on the exterior – instead, they were overflowing with inner turmoil, quests to find the real human values and longing for humanity itself.
The creative team of the current production presented their own version of "Don Carlo", refusing theatrical illustrations and focusing on the revelation of deepest layers of meaning, hidden within music and text. The main goal of director Günter Krämer was to delve deep into G. Verdi’s opera and eliminate all possible clichés that have been plaguing it ever since it was first presented on the Parisian stage in the 19th century. He was affected and inspired by the rock star David Bowie’s spectacular farewell message, his final album "Blackstar" – the aesthetics of the video for album’s title song have become certain point of departure for the staging.
In 2016 the production of "Don Carlo" won 3 Golden Cross of the Stage awards for Günter Krämer (best director), Herbert Schäfer (best set designer) and Eglė Šidlauskaitė (for the role of Eboli).
Premiere: 4 March, 2016
