Aïda

I watched the Paris Opera's new production of Aida when it first streamed. It was difficult to watch and hear because of concurrent activities but I could not miss it. I really wanted to catch the performances of Sondra Radvanovsky, Jona Kaufmann, and Ludovic Tezier. The three, as well as Dudnikova covering for the missed Garanca, perform their roles excellently. What becomes more contentious is the production itself. The opera seems set throughout in late 1800s Europe, with the ballet opting not for stylish dances but for reenactments of famous photos documenting conquest (Iwo Jima, Napoleon, Liberty Leading the People). One of the main talking points is the fact that not only Sondra but three puppeteers as well portray Aida (and two puppeteers plus Ludovic for Amonasro). While Sondra sings and sometimes maneuver the puppeteer, most people onstage interact with her puppet double. Many people have felt that the use of puppets may be distracting but me and others see it as bringing way to metaphor. In my take, this presents a kind of "fantastique" story where Radames is a European officer who falls in love with an ancient Egyptian relic. He falls in love with a woman, Sondra, who seems nearly imaginary due to the relic while beloved by Ksenia. Eventually, his obsession with the relic ruins his career and he dies in an asylum, with his relic in hand and his love departing him. The ending was particularly touching. Overall, the cast are what brings the most out of the work. The production may have some of the tendencies of today but is still imaginative in its implementation.