Servilia and Annio – The Strongest Characters in La Clemenza di Tito? (Part 1)

Act 1 Finale

Are Servilia and Annio the strongest characters in La Clemenza di Tito? Not usually, but in this production, they seem to be the ones who have the most focus and most drive. I last saw Simona Šaturová as a strong Violetta in La Monnaie's rather kinky La Traviata. Here, she is a Servilia who really has her shtuff together, knows who she is, and doesn't take crap from anyone, not even Vitellia! Her Act 2 aria, Se altra lagrima is not just a simple plea in a pretty waltz time. 

La Traviata at La Monnaie, Brussels – More Disturbing Than Shocking

Šaturová as Violetta

The Brussels staging of La Traviata by Andrea Breth generated quite a bit of controversy. I found it relatively unpleasant but not terribly shocking, and I am glad I saw/heard it, though I might not visit it again. Here they are depicting a more realistic grimy underworld of prostitution and drugs versus a more standard romanticized 18^th Century series of ever-so-slightly decadent, but elegant formal parties. 

The staging definitely is uncomfortable, especially in the party scenes. The female nudity is more depressing than erotic; perhaps the stark black and white setting serves to distance us. But I think the point could be made without so much overt S&M activity. It wouldn't take much compromise to make this less controversial. Then again, why should the director and company compromise their vision?  (That’s a rhetorical question, but I don't mind if a discussion/argument breaks out here.)