Olivier Py's Lulu in Geneva

(Above: Robert Wörle and Patricia Petibon)

Grand Théâtre de Genève's new Olivier Py production of Alban Berg's Lulu was already making news in the days before its premiere on Friday. It was rated by the theater as too daring for underage crowds, and carried a strict rating to bar those under 16 years old ("Nous déconseillons le spectacle aux personnes de moins de 16 ans."). The warning referenced an out-of-focus p0rno projection during the final scene of the opera as well as nudity and sexual pantomime. The opera debuted to a rousing success, the Swiss crowds warmed to Patricia Petibon's lead ("Petiboooo" got booed off the stage here in Milan under Scala's meanie loggione for her underwhelming Alcina).

Opera Chic has the photos, although shots of the controversial p0rno absent...they're still good! Click the link below to see!

 
(Patricia Petibon, Pavlo Hunka and Julia Juon)

(Patricia Petibon)

(Patricia Petibon and Hartmut Welker)

(Patricia Petibon and Gerhard Siegel)

(Patricia Petibon)

Comments

[Linda Smith]

Now here's an opera you can go wild with and no one should mind.

[JulaGem]

i am not even familiar with any of the music, but this still looks really good...

[francesco]

wow! we need something similar here in rome. falstaff was so old..and so boring!

[Christopher]

My fave Lulu is still Christine Schäfer. I wish we would play Lulu, but no chance in our hopelessly conservative opera house. The music is intoxicating!

[Musicasola]

Olivier Py... Mmm... Something like Regietheater without the talent of Regietheater directors like Wieler, Alden, Marthaler, Kusej &Co.
Patricia Petibon is scheduled to sing Lulu in Salzburg next summer. Director is Vera Nemirova: Wait and see...

[Peter Fishback]

Ms. Schafer's Lulu, on DVD, is terrific. I didn't even notice that the music is way over my head. She's one serious singer/actress. I'm going to get her DG recording of Pierrot Lunaire. Serious soprano plus very serious music, "who can ask for anything more."

If my local, regional opera company presented Lulu it's contributions would probably drop 20%. DVDs are great if you live in a provincial city.

[Peter Fishback]

Sorry for the contraction in the what should be a possesive "its." I need a live-in editor.

[April]

The production of Lulu reminds me of Lady Gaga.

[Francesca]

Schäfer is perfect for Lulu vocally and physically-her face especially because its so youthful. And as evidenced by the Glyndebourne dvd, Sir Andrew Davis obviously has a great understanding of Berg and loves the piece very much. He really rocks it.

But Petibon...after that Alcina debacle, which I attended, I'm inclined to think that this would have been quite a lot to chew for the teensy weensy French baroque specialist, but I am delighted to hear otherwise :) Looks like a great show.

[Miguel de Moura]

Good news for those waiting tickets of Lulu at the Salzburg Festspiele next summer . Oliver Py regie may be controversial but the dazzling performance by French soprano Patricia Petibon in one of opera's most demanding roles, “ a nightwalker of love “ ( Kark Krause) is described as excellent.

[piglet20]

I wonder what the Aug 2010 Salzburg Festival production of Lulu (with Petibon) will be like!

[Nourrit's Number]

"Something like Regietheater without the talent of Regietheater directors like Wieler, Alden, Marthaler, Kusej &Co."

I wasn't aware they had talent.