On July 17, during the Nocturnes de la Villa, Édouard Signolet, author and director of theater and then opera, presented two of his opera minutes. By revisiting the classics of Romeo and Juliet as well as The Magic Flute, Édouard Signolet created a unique operatic experience, open to all audiences. We had the opportunity to meet him for an interview to learn more about these performances.
This summer, from July 3 to August 22, 2023, the prestigious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild opens its doors to visitors for a unique experience. Indeed, every Monday and Tuesday, visitors have the opportunity to discover the Villa and its gardens in a magical atmosphere.
Édouard Signolet’s opera minutes: democratizing opera
With a desire to open the doors of opera to as many people as possible, Édouard Signolet created the opera minutes, condensed versions of the great classics of opera. Often perceived as an elitist and inaccessible art form, opera is associated with long and sometimes expensive performances. With the opera minutes, he breaks down barriers and makes this form of artistic expression accessible to everyone.
Thus, he has been presenting these opera minutes in various places such as schools, theaters, outdoors, and even in gyms for a few years. The event at the Nocturnes de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a testament to the democratization of opera, allowing spectators to experience an artistic event in stunning settings like the Villa or more familiar environments.
Romeo and Juliet: an enchanting tragedy
Among the opera minutes presented at the Nocturnes de la Villa, the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was particularly striking. Inspired by the work of William Shakespeare and the compositions of Hector Berlioz, Charles Gounod, and Leonard Bernstein, this moving adaptation depicts the forbidden love between the two protagonists. The relentless struggle between their rival families makes their union impossible, pushing them to organize their marriage in secret. However, obstacles multiply, leading to a tragic end.
Édouard Signolet has managed to capture the essence of traditional opera while adapting the story to make it more accessible. The performance by the actor-narrators and singers, who play all the roles, brings each character to life remarkably.
The Magic Flute: a magical initiation
The opera The Magic Flute, originally composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart shortly before his death, was also presented during the opera minutes. This magical and enchanting work tells the story of Prince Tamino, accompanied by the fearful bird catcher Papageno, who seeks to rescue the young Pamina, kidnapped by the magician Sarastro. This captivating adventure, inspired by an oriental tale, highlights the initiation of Prince Tamino.
Once again, Édouard Signolet has reduced the original opera while preserving its musical purity. The music, excellently sung by the artists, remains at the heart of the show. The narrator skillfully guides the audience through the plot, allowing for optimal clarity despite the reduced number of characters.
Interview with Édouard Signolet: an artist in the service of the democratization of opera
During our discussion with Édouard Signolet, he emphasized his main goal with the opera minutes: to introduce opera to as many people as possible and to dismantle the elitist image that is often associated with it. By revisiting and rewriting the works, he manages to condense the stories while incorporating current elements.
The minimalist staging, dark costumes, and use of codes borrowed from the Italian theater of Commedia dell’arte give a contemporary touch to the opera minutes. This hybrid approach between theater and opera attracts a wide audience and generates enthusiasm for this delightfully guiltless art form.
Édouard Signolet’s opera minutes won the hearts of spectators at the Nocturnes de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Thanks to his innovative and democratic artistic approach, opera becomes accessible to everyone, whether in prestigious venues or more modest spaces. With his talent for staging and his desire to make opera fun and entertaining, Édouard Signolet continues to resonate with the hearts of spectators, encouraging them to cross the threshold of opera and discover all the magic and emotion that this timeless art form can offer.
