tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245314665139759027.post4585950485574463907..comments2024-01-04T13:56:52.127-05:00Comments on Regie, or Not Regie?: La Traviata, Salzburg 2005: I Have a Theory, and it's MineRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322512607114908183noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245314665139759027.post-12552896533922541062013-08-05T09:26:22.481-04:002013-08-05T09:26:22.481-04:00Well, I understand what you're saying, but I h...Well, I understand what you're saying, but I have to disagree on three points. <br /><br />1. I see this production set not necessarily to "modern" time of the 21st century, but placed in a more timeless time frame. The set and costuming (of everyone but Violetta) is fairly period-neutral. And time frame was already an issue for Verdi before he was even able to present the opera. He wanted it set in his current time, but to appease censors, he had to move it back 100 years. <br /><br />2. There are families in all times and places who intervene in their kids’ lives because they have problems with the child’s partner of choice for one or another reason (wrong class, wrong race, wrong sex, wrong religion, etc.) I think removing the opera from a specific period makes the message of self-sacrifice for one’s beloved more universal. (I happen to vehemently disagree with Giorgio Germont, however. He needs to look out for the happiness of his children and worry less about “what will people think?”!)<br /><br />3. Violetta is generally viewed as the "courtesan with a heart of gold." Even in the recent Brussels staging, she seems to realize that her lifestyle is not a healthy one for Alfredo (and trust me, it’s not healthy for pretty much anybody). Someone who truly loves another often will sacrifice personal well-being and/or happiness for their beloved. <br /><br />Thanks for reading and for writing! <br />Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16322512607114908183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245314665139759027.post-48786612966885660262013-08-05T02:26:35.420-04:002013-08-05T02:26:35.420-04:00I have been searching reviews in vain for any ment...I have been searching reviews in vain for any mention of the fact that, lifted out of the context of its period, the plot of this opera is not credible. It's inconceivable that this modern floozie of a Violetta is going to give up her boyfriend because his stuffy old man is worried about the family reputation. By the mores of the original social milieu, acted with all the conflicting values and emotions entailed, this story is poignant and tragic. In this update it is inexplicable and ridiculous. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com