Faust
The aged Faust has read all the books. As his final hour approaches, neither science nor faith are worth as much to him as ‘the treasure that contains them all’ youth. To regain it, he will sell his soul to the restless incarnation of the devil, Mephistopheles. But will Marguerite's love and divine power thwart the devil's plans?
Few operas have enjoyed such an enviable fate as Gounod's Faust. Well received at its premiere, followed by international success, which still makes it the most performed French opera in the world today, just behind Carmen. But should we take this Faust literally? Or should we see it, in the twist of the fable, as a celebration of pleasures? From the demonic dance of the Golden Calf led by Satan himself to Marguerite laughing at her own beauty in the mirror, the audience can enjoy all the excesses, intoxicated by the music... without risking damnation. In Opéra de Lille’s production, this contradiction does not escape astute analysis of director Denis Podalydès. He sees here ‘a fundamentally anti-Puritan opera in a Puritan world, yet one that espouses its religious code and pretends to observe it. There is a dual or duplicitous aspect to this work – a structural hypocrisy typical of France’s Second Empire. For Gounod is a true Catholic plagued by demons that are all the more demonic because he is a fervent Christian.’ After examining another great figure of the theatre, Falstaff, Podalydès and his distinguished team tackles Goethe's tragic hero, using Jules Barbier's spoken dialogues, which were part of the work when it was first performed in 1859, to bring out all its ambiguities. A way of celebrating the eternal youth of Gounod's opera.
New production Opéra de Lille
Co-production Opéra-Comique / Palazzetto Bru Zane
CAST
|
Faust
|
Julien Dran
|
|---|---|
|
Marguerite
|
Vannina Santoni
|
|
Méphistophélès
|
Jérôme Boutillier
|
|
Valentin
|
Lionel Lhote
|
|
Siebel
|
Juliette Mey
|
|
Wagner
|
Anas Séguin
|
|
Dame Marthe
|
Marie Lenormand
|
|
Orchestra
|
Orchestre National de Lille
|
|
Chorus
|
Choeur de l'Opéra de Lille
|
| ... | |
|
Music
|
Charles Gounod
|
|---|---|
|
Text
|
Jules Barbier, Michel Carré
|
|
Director
|
Denis Podalydès
|
|
Conductor
|
Louis Langrée
|
|
Associate Director
|
Laurent Delvert
|
|
Sets
|
Éric Ruf
|
|
Costumes
|
Christian Lacroix
|
|
Lights
|
Bertrand Couderc
|
|
Choreography
|
Cécile Bon
|
|
Chorus master
|
Mathieu Romano
Louis Gal
|
|
Vocal coach
|
Nicolas Chesneau
|
|
Masks
|
Louis Arène
|
| ... | |
VIDEOS
Story
Prologue
The learned old man, Faust despairs of attaining Knowledge and finding meaning in his life of study. As he resigns himself to death, peasants sing of happiness and love in the distance. About to drink poison, Faust invokes Satan, who appears in the guise of Mephistopheles and offers him his services. Disdaining riches, glory and power, Faust asks for youth. So enchanted by a vision of Marguerite, he signs the fatal pact. He drinks the cup in which the poison has become an elixir, and Faust is duly rejuvenated.
Act I
At the gates of the city, a fair is in full swing. Before leaving for battle, Valentin bids farewell to Marguerite, who gives him a medal to protect him; then he entrusts his sister to the care of those left behind. Méphistophélès appears, makes dire predictions to each of them, he maligns Marguerite, unleashes Valentin's anger. A brawl breaks out, during which Valentin's sword breaks. Recognising this as the work of the devil, the men confront Mephistopheles with their swords, forming a cross, and force him to retreat. A waltz now brings the jubilant crowd together. Siebel, like Faust, waits for Marguerite, who crosses the square with her eyes downcast. Faust declares his admiration, but she refuses Faust's arm out of modesty, a quality that makes him love her even more.
Act II
On the doorstep of Marguerite's house, Siebel picks flowers that wilt immediately; holy water will break the curse. Faust arrives with his diabolical guide. The simplicity of the dwelling seems to him to be in the image of its inhabitant; when Marguerite appears she is still troubled by her encounter with Faust at the city gate. She sings a melancholy ballad about the King of Thule. Indifferent to Siebel's bouquet, she notices the box left by Faust and tries on with the jewels it contains. Her neighbour, Martha, does not disapprove. Learning of the death of her estranged husband, Martha confronts the devilish messenger. Faust and Marguerite meanwhile make more timid confessions to each other. After questioning the flower whose name she bears, Marguerite gives in and then begs her lover to leave her until the next day. Faust bids her farewell. But Mephistopheles suggests that his companion listen to Marguerite's confidences on the starry night. Faust joins her, they embrace, and the devil rejoices.
Act III
Seemingly abandoned by Faust, with whom she has had a child, and mocked by her companions, Marguerite finds comfort in Siebel's friendship. Valentin, back with his soldiers, celebrates victory. As Faust wants to see his lover again, Mephistopheles sings a mocking serenade beneath Marguerite's window. But it is Valentin who arrives, determined to avenge the affront, as instructed by Siebel. He draws his sword. Faust, with the devil's help, strikes him dead. Before the gathered crowd, Valentin still finds the strength to curse his sister. She goes to the church to pray but is pursued by the accusing voice of the Devil.
Act IV
Faust witnesses the mysteries of Walpurgis Night and suddenly sees the ghost of Marguerite. Méphistophélès helps Faust enter the prison where Marguerite is incarcerated and awaits punishment for the murderer of their child. Faust tries to rescue her but she has lost her mind, invokes God's mercy and renounces her lover. Led to the scaffold, Marguerite succumbs and her soul, saved, rises to heaven.
Gallery
