“Johannespassion” – heavenly J.S. Bach’s harmony and extravagant R. Wilson’s direction come together at Lithuanian National Opera Balley Theatre. At the very end of the theatre season, 14 and 15 June, Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is inviting to the premiere of “Johannespassion” staging. Written by the creator of heavenly harmony J.S. Bach, this performance is a co-production of Theatre du Chatelet in Paris and Vilnius Festival’2007. For LNOBT it is a second performance based on the principles of co-production. The first one - “Madama Butterfly”, directed by Anthony Minghella and produced together with English National Opera and Metropolitan Opera Theatre - was exceptionally successful. The new premiere is probably also destined to succeed, because the director, choreographer, stage and lighting designer is Robert Wilson from USA. Probably the most fashionable director of today, R. Wilson is well known for his exclusive and incredibly impressive theatrical visions as well as for rigorous style of working.
In today’s world baroque music is experiencing its resurrection, however, it is more often performed in concert halls rather than in theatres. Passion – the story of Jesus Christ’s torment that is usually being read on the Good Friday – has changed its face many times over the years, but it always had some features of the theatrical art. This time “Johannespassion” was undertaken by Theatre du Chatelet and Robert Wilson, which makes this premiere even more exciting and intriguing.
“Johannespassion” premiered at Theatre du Chatelet in March and immediately caused many discussions in the Parisian art society and between the critics. It is very difficult to classify R. Wilson’s theatre when it comes to theoretical descriptions of theatrical art. However, it can be said that the undeniable talent of this artist sparkles in the aesthetics and structures of the post-modernist theatre. Movement, word, light and unexpected mixes of these elements create the most incredible, enchanting new forms of theatrical processes. This production of “Johannespassion” is full of such processes - filled with unique charm, it makes the viewers experience new realities and spaces.
R. Wilson’s assistant Jean-Yves Courregelongue is a stage director for the Vilnius’ production of “Johannespassion”, while conductor Martynas Staskus is working with the orchestra. We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of Rolf Beck (Germany), who is production’s musical director and conductor. The costumes are created by designer from Italy Frida Parmeggiani, solo dances choreographed by Lucinda Cills (USA). Chorus trained by LNOBT’s chorus master Ceslovas Radziunas.
“Johannespassion” will be sung by LNOBT soloists and guests. One of them, Johannes von Duisburg from Germany, is well known in Lithuania as a truly charismatic artist and the owner of an exceptionally rich voice. Other guest is countertenor from Great Britain Charles Humphries, who is making his debut at the LNOBT. This exclusive singer successfully performs throughout Europe with the biggest early music ensembles and is a guest soloist with The Kings Consort, Gabrieli Consort, Ulster Orchestra, Northern Chamber Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, St. James Baroque Players and Concerto Copenhagen. Charles Humphries is a specialist of Baroque music – in 2008 he will be participating in the international music festival in Seychelles. Here he will not only perform “Messiah” and a recital of Baroque music, but also give a lecture on Baroque at the International Conference Centre.
14 and 15 June – the premiere of “Johannespassion”. Both performances start at 7:00 p.m. You can still purchase the tickets!
