Courtesy of teatrwielki.pl

The Makropulos Affair
February 17
Teatr Wielki, Pl. Teatralny 1
Warsaw

This three-act opera was written in the 1920s by Czech composer Leos Janacek and tells the story of Emilia Marty, a celebrated singer, who was given a potion that gives her eternal life. But after more than 300 years of ever-lasting youth, she discovers that instead of proving a blessing, it has left her bitter and upset. When the potion unexpectedly wears off, she subsequently dies a sad death after rapidly aging before the eyes of astonished onlookers.

This version, which is conducted and directed by Gerd Schaller and Christoph Marthaler respectively, sees Eva Johansson and Raymond Very play the lead roles of Emilia Marty and Albert Gregor, with set and costume design by Anna Viebrock.

Still one of the best examples of modern opera almost 90 years after it first premiered, this performance will no doubt provide a fitting interpretation of this classic tale.

David Ingham

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