A stage production of Giacomo Puccini’s most intimate opera, the centenary of whose death falls this year, reproposed in a version that brings together in perfect symbiosis, respect for artistic, vocal and musical tradition with scenic innovation.
Scenic innovation that translates into virtual stage sets recreated on stage with the aid of holographic video projections, allowing an unlimited variety of scenic changes (with the lead singers moving between virtuality and reality), without the limitations of traditional stage structures, which are moreover cumbersome and require long technical pauses, mortifying the pathos.
The virtual scenography makes it possible to recreate, with a ‘live movie’ or ‘live cinema’ effect, a narrative fluidity to complement the music and bel canto, with a constant sustainment of the emotions and the dramaturgical concept.
The technological and multimedia element then extends further, including the possibility, envisaged by this production, of replacing the live orchestra with a digital music base, allowing the production to be staged even in theatres or other facilities without an orchestra pit. This versatility is in line with one of the underlying philosophies of this production, namely to be able to take opera outside its traditional contexts and thus, thanks to the multimedia concept that enhances its entertainment value, also to be offered to a wider and even younger audience.
The use of multimedia technology and a virtual set design allow for significant versatility in the area of scenic and stage direction. An emblematic example in this production is the ‘silent choir’ scene. In the live scene, the performer interpreting Cio-cio-san, falls asleep in her dwelling in front of the sea and a sky dominated by the moon and the stars. As she falls asleep, Cio-cio-san’s dream materialises in virtuality, like a soul that splits from and leaves her body and contemplates and faces her innermost thoughts, in front of the spectacular backdrop of sea and sky; her fears and torments, such as the weight of the values of her culture and society, the judgement of her family, headed by her bonze uncle. But also her longings and hopes: the return from the sea on his ship of her beloved Pinkerton.
