The Rialto theatre in Limassol is at it again, with screenings of live performances from thousands of miles away. This time the theatre will tell two tales that may not seem to travel along the same lines, but are both very much love stories.
The first of the two, to be screened on Saturday, is Tristan und Isolde, which will open the Metropolitan Opera (MET) programme for the season.
This new production by Mariusz Trelinski stars Nina Stemme as Isolde, Stuart Skelton as Tristan, Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangane, and Rene Pape as King Marke, with Sir Simon Rattle conducting – one of his rare appearances at the MET.
The opera – or musical drama, as its composer referred to it – is by Richard Wagner, with a German libretto by the composer. It is largely based on the romance by Gottfried von Strassburg and was composed between 1857 and 1859. It premiered at the Konigliches Hof- und National theatre in Munich on June 10, 1865.
The three acts of the opera are originally set, respectively, aboard a ship on the Irish Sea, in Cornwall (southwestern Britain), and in Brittany (northwestern France). The many versions of this story all pay homage to the Celtic ambience and probable origin of the tale. Wagner’s preservation of this context emphasises several key themes associated with ancient Celtic culture: mysticism, knowledge of the magic arts, an evolved warrior code, and a distinctly non-Christian vision of the possibilities of the afterlife.
Wagner’s insistence on not referring to his work as an opera sets the tone for his artistic revolutionary acts. He insisted that words and music were equals in his works. This approach led to the idea of the Gesamtkunstwerk, or “total work of art,” combining music, poetry, architecture, painting, and other disciplines, a notion that has had an impact on creative fields far beyond opera.
After a Celtic scene, the Rialto theatre moves on to one of science, imagination and the love of life, with a screening of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch, as performed at the National Theatre.
The performance, which the theatre first introduced in 2012, will be screened again in the framework of The Encore Series, giving theatregoers a second chance to enjoy it.
The play is the theatrical piece by Nick Dear, based on Mary Shelley’s novel. Critics and spectators have praised it as one of the most amazing spectacles of recent years, and an immense success.
Oscar-winner Danny Boyle (director of the London Olympic Games 2012), returns to theatre, directing Cumberbatch (in the role of the creature) and Jonny Lee Miller (in the role of Victor Frankenstein), along with other acclaimed actors.
Monstrous, yet carrying the innocence of a child, the bewildered creature that’s been brought to life by Frankenstein after sewing together body parts taken from dead bodies, is exiled by his creator who is driven by horror. This anti-social being is treated ruthlessly, and becomes desperate and revengeful. He decides to track down his creator and to strike a scary deal.
Why is this a love story, you might ask? The love is found within Frankenstein, who was so devastated by the death of his mother that he wanted to banish the loss of such a love from the world. The love is also found in the face of the monster himself, who seeks love from his creator and – when none is to be found there – desperately seeks to find compassion and love in the arms of someone else like himself.
Tristan und Isolde – The Met
Screening of the performance at The Met. October 8. Rialto theatre, Limassol. 7pm. €18. Greek and English subtitles. Tel: 77-777745
Frankenstein – NT Live
Screening of the performance at the National Theatre. October 9. Rialto theatre, Limassol. 6pm. €10. Tel: 77-777745
