by InTrieste
In a striking finale to its season, the Teatro Verdi in Trieste presents a daring double feature that marries the surreal horror of Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” with the grim fairy tale of Bartok’s “Duke Bluebeard’s Castle.” This ambitious production, running until June 23, challenges and captivates its audience with stark, dissonant music and visually arresting stagecraft.
The evening opens with an extraordinary adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” featuring a libretto by the legendary Giorgio Strehler. Commissioned by Victor De Sabata, the music, originally intended for a production at Teatro alla Scala that never came to fruition, was composed by Fiorenzo Carpi. Carpi, known for his extensive collaborations with Strehler and his work on Comencini’s “Pinocchio,” left the score incomplete. It has since been finished by Alessandro Solbiati, making its way to Trieste following its world premiere in Spoleto two years ago under the direction of Giorgio Bongiovanni.
The composition, rich with 20th-century musical tensions and dissonances, tells the harrowing story of Gregor, a young traveling salesman, who undergoes a grotesque transformation into an insect. A narrator on stage aids in unfolding this tragic tale. Amidst the darkness, a single beam of hope shines through the melody played on the violin by Gregor’s sister, separated from him by the “Dividing Door” – a poignant symbol and the show’s title.
In the second half of the evening, Bartok’s “Duke Bluebeard’s Castle” continues the thematic exploration of horror and transformation. Directed by the renowned Henning Brockaus, this production features a taut dialogue between two actors set against a gothic, novel-esque backdrop. As doors open to reveal the castle’s hidden horrors, the stark, blood-red flashes of cloaks against a dark stage create a visually arresting scene. Despite a conclusion that ostensibly offers resolution, the tension leaves the audience unsettled.
Guiding both the orchestra and the audience through this complex and immersive journey is conductor Marco Angius. Under his baton, the Verdi Orchestra navigates the challenging scores with precision and intensity, enhancing the emotional impact of the performances.
This double-bill is a bold testament to Teatro Verdi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of theatrical and musical expression, offering an experience that is both intellectually and viscerally stimulating. The production will engage audiences at the Trieste theater until June 23, a fittingly grand finale to the season.
