I have had the privilege of sitting through another life-changing Opera experience. Haunting, prolific and emotional, I found myself both drained and inspired when I left the Ordway last week, after taking part in a Media preview for “Silent Night.” No doubt in these troubled times, this story’s message has resonated to a new level; I sat for 2 hours in complete awe of the talent before me.
Dutifully, I did the appropriate research for a solid frame of reference and context of the production I was about to attend. Familiar with the screenplay for the 2005 film, Joyeux Noël, I had perspective on the libretto, or story, on which the opera is based. With context in tow, after a reacquainting myself with the political climate and general routine of everyday lives in 1914 Europe, I happily donned a dress and heels for the Minnesota Opera to see the world premiere of “Silent Night”.
At a meet and greet before the production, both the Librettist, Mark Campbell and Composer, Kevin Puts, seemed to relish in calling the production “big”. The production’s home is the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, a spectacular 1,900 seat venue that can be both big and intimate at the same time. Lending itself not only to the large scale of battle field settings and it’s ensembles, but also the smaller scale scenes that encompass duets and soloists, this venue offers it all. Unfortunately the venue provides one of the few complaints I have about the production. Despite being warned by members of the creative team to, “not let the noise of the revolving stage detract from the experience”, that’s exactly what happened. Does it ruin the production? Not a chance. However, it does cause the senses to fight to stay invested during transitions. One look at the stage and you’ll realize it’s worth the noise. The production worked so well, you wouldn’t want to change the utilization of the revolving stage, just work on better implementation.
The story deals with themes that transcend time: love, loss, war . Accordingly, the music is rich and powerful, becoming it’s own character in the production. Very much as it should be, the music played the character of an unseen expediter that effortlessly carries the audience along the progression of the storyline. The fond rapport between Campbell and Puts that was so apparent in our meeting, translates to the production stage via the orchestra pit. Harmony, at it’s finest. For a story that is based on war, this is one of the most positive and heartfelt operas I’ve seen.
The true story here, is the unfaltering emotion behind this particular opera, one that’s easily heard in the score and seen through the expressions of those involved on the stage and off. William Burden, plays Nikolaus Sprink, a remorseful soldier who tries desperately to help the others understand the complexities of war:
I asked Daniel Zillmann, Communications Manager for the Minnesota Opera how the story has resonated with his soul. He replied:
I think of Sprink’s realization of why war really exists…it’s a struggle over money and power…and the true “winners” are the profiteers…the fat men in their tuxes acting as if there isn’t a war going on an hour away. At the end before he’s essentially court marshaled, he speaks the truth of the situation. “You’re a fool if you think you’re serving your dear ‘Fatherland.’ You’re serving the Junkers You’re serving that idiot of a Kaiser You’re serving power and money. The Hindenbergs and the Krupps of the world, That’s who you’re serving.” I personally don’t see any difference between this and what’s happening today. So, I don’t know if it’s specifically coincidental if it’s always applicable.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite scenes, “Sleep.” The moving stage, vocally lit with the men’s chorus behind offers a heartbreaking soundtrack to a timeless story. One day, may there be no need for war. Until then, let’s remember our troops that are spending their Holidays away from home. Consider helping bring cheer to our men and woman serving and their families at home.
To hear more about the upcoming Minnesota Opera season, please visit: http://www.mnopera.org.
