The three performances of La Bohème Revisited (BR) performed in February 2017 at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre of the National Centre for the Performing Arts were sold out as was claimed on the billboards. Carlo Rizzi was guest conductor on February 8, 2017 while associate music director of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) Zane Dalal conducted the performances on February 9 and 11. Rizzi conducts La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera, New York this season, in a classic version by Franco Zeffirelli.
The abridged opera, from four to two acts, maintained the story line of four free spirited artists who live a carefree life in Paris of the 1830s. Poet Rodolfo (sung by Giordano Lucà) falls in love with Mimi (Grazia Doronzio) as she comes from the neighboring apartment to rekindle her blown out candle. The other three Bohemians go to the happening Café Momus to celebrate Christmas eve, later joined by the new lovers. Life progresses with all its trials and tribulations of poverty till Mimi tries to fight death by tuberculosis, but ultimately succumbs. The flirtatious Musetta (Maria Mudryak), who flits from being Bohemian to a member of the gentry as per her material needs, is ephemeral in her empathic response to buy Mimi a pair of mittens — her dying wish.
The stage was set in a golden frame with the singers in the forefront and a tulle (sheen cloth) screen separating the orchestra; at times iconographic images were projected on the screen to create that precise mood. All these effects and artistry were created in Italy. Daena Sethna, image consultant, celebrity fashion stylist and costume designer seems to be the only Indian who executed the costumes of Paris’ Latin Quarter — rich in art but impoverished in living. Sam Kerawalla was one of two production consultants who made his expertise available.
A scene from La Bohème Revisited
Notes by Beverly Pereira in the brochure aptly state: "… placing the orchestra on stage and using technology to maximize visual appeal are novelties that make for an innovative production.”
Director Sax Nicosia always had the element in mind that the orchestra "will be a visible element as part of the story and will act as a living set design.” At times as the audience emoted along with a lilting aria, the flailing hands of the conductor on stage snapped one out of one’s reverie. The 75-strong orchestra seldom overpowered the operatic voices, though they were not housed in the pit as is the custom. The singers occupied only one third of the stage as the orchestra occupied the rest.
The BR production introduces the French novelist Henri Murger on stage — the original writer whose vignettes of the Latin quarters of Paris are the base of the opera. This innovative introduction of Murger as the spokesperson enriched and brought forward the opera story line. Murger was played by Nicosia himself. Giacomo Puccini composed the opera which achieved instant popularity. Some critics however stamped it as empty in sound though it is one of Puccini’s best loved and most often performed operas to date. It may be added that Puccini’s operatic dramatization renders some events momentous on stage, which had been granted only a few sentences by Murger.
The Bombay audience was as enthralled with the performance as was the first staging held in Turin in 1896: Thunderous applause and a standing ovation!