D. Bikkulova

«Carmen» by G. Bizet in the Theatre of Musical Drama staging as an example of directing innovations in opera art of the early XXth century

The staging of «Carmen» by G. Bizet, that was made by the Petersburg Theatre of Musical Drama in 1913 (director – J. Lapitsky) is examined in the article. The focus of the researcher is original directing devices and expressive means applied by innovative director for overcoming the opera routine and attainment of the «truth of life», or the realistic-everyday authenticity. All elements of the named performance were subordinated to director’s artistic concept. According to the author of the article, the basis of J. Lapitsky`s creative aspirations was the lifelikeness tendency realized through meticulous elaboration of details. In his interpretation of the opera J. Lapitsky proceeded from an exact recreation of the environment (Spain at the beginning of the XXth century), and imprinting the scene and time of action, and the requirement of psychological convincingness, truth in performing existance conformably to each participant of the play (individual rehearsal work was done both with the soloists and the choir). The performance was called «the revolution in the opera» and «naturalistic drama» by contemporaries, it attracted the great attention of the public and the press. «Carmen» is rightfully considered one of the highest achievements of the Musical Drama Theatre, and bright representative example of J. Lapitsky’s directing innovations at opera stage.

Key words

«Carmen» by G. Bizet, Theatre of Musical Drama, J. Lapitsky, opera directing, lifelikeness.

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