Peter Sellars has taken Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and set it in modern New York City ... and it still works, which just goes to show how timeless the genius of Mozart really is.
But Sellars true genius was in casting African-American twins to play the parts of Don Giovanni and his servant, Leporello ... there is a scene where they change places, disguised as each other, and you don't have to suspend your disbelief to enjoy it.
There is a scene where they discuss their plans for the evening over a meal ... the fact that they are sitting on a curb eating burgers from McDonalds does not get in the way at all.
For any inner-city teacher who would like to introduce their students to opera, seeing two vital, young black males singing music that's 200 years old, and in Italian (with English subtitles), should be an eye-opening experience. The multiracial cast showcases many splendid young (and at the time, unknown) voices selected only for their talent, and demonstrates that opera is really for everyone.
I'm glad that I taped it from PBS years ago, because it hasn't been released yet on VHS or DVD. <sigh!>
But Sellars true genius was in casting African-American twins to play the parts of Don Giovanni and his servant, Leporello ... there is a scene where they change places, disguised as each other, and you don't have to suspend your disbelief to enjoy it.
There is a scene where they discuss their plans for the evening over a meal ... the fact that they are sitting on a curb eating burgers from McDonalds does not get in the way at all.
For any inner-city teacher who would like to introduce their students to opera, seeing two vital, young black males singing music that's 200 years old, and in Italian (with English subtitles), should be an eye-opening experience. The multiracial cast showcases many splendid young (and at the time, unknown) voices selected only for their talent, and demonstrates that opera is really for everyone.
I'm glad that I taped it from PBS years ago, because it hasn't been released yet on VHS or DVD. <sigh!>