My only complaint about one of the performances in this production,nevertheless,involves a short but major character.The Grand Inquisitor is described in the libretto as"...90 years old,and blind."He symbolizes a church which is ancient,tyrannical,physically feeble yet commanding and mentally strong.His blindness is both symbolic(spiritually)and ironic(political-although physically blind,he DOES possess greater insight and political vision than any other character in the opera.)Anisimov make-up makes him look like a 50 year old,bearded cherub.And his eyes as wide open as those of an owl.Otherwise,this is a first-rate production,all the way around.
