#operaatelier

Opera Atelier’s Production of Don Giovanni

I attended Opera Aterlier's production of Don Giovanni, and had ambivalent feelings about it.  The quality of the orchestra, the talent of the cast, and the beauty of the presentation were all enthralling.

However, I felt misgivings at efforts to present the titular character sympathetically.  "The way [the opera's Director Marshall] Pynkoski sees it, if the Don oozes nothing but evil, then the women who are seduced by him are stupid," according to a Toronto Star review that I read afterwards.

The word "seduce" can be used ambiguously.  But there is no denying that in pursuing the female characters, Giovanni uses force and impersonation, and not just charm and enticement.

We can not judge an 18th century opera by 21st century mores.  But we need not sugarcoat it.