One hundred years ago, Pablo Picasso lived Rome for two months. It was his first trip to Italy. The Ballets Russes was in town and Picasso was eager to begin work on his designs for Parade, the ballet which would open on 18 May 1917 in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Two years previously, Picasso had found himself relatively alone in Paris. His mistress Eva Gouel had died … [Read more...]
Igor Yebra answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? When I was 13 years old. Why did you start dancing? Because I liked it and in my house it was something normal to see ballet; although first I wanted to be a football or basketball player! Which dancer inspired you most as a child? Fred Astaire, Antonio Gades and Vladimir Vasiliev. Which dancer do you most admire? Fred … [Read more...]
Interview with Plácido Domingo: ‘as long as the public come, and the theatre is sold out, I will be singing’
The Times went to Paris to talk to Plácido Domingo who is rehearsing at the Théâtre du Châtelet for the European premiere of an operatic version of Il Postino. Here are some excerpts: On his baritone roles. Rigoletto: I try not to have too much of a hump. Although they talk about him being deformed, I’m taller than most Rigolettos. It doesn’t have to be exaggerated.” Simon … [Read more...]
Big-eyed, big-voiced and bubbly Caroline O’Connor will make an ideal Mrs Lovett in Paris
Best known for her energetic performances in Chicago, Mack and Mabel and the film "Moulin Rouge", multi-talented Caroline O'Connor will now step into Mrs Lovett's shoes as part of a starry cast for the Théâtre du Châtelet's production of Sweeney Todd. It is scheduled for four weeks from April 22 to May 21. Lee Blakeley, who staged A Little Night Music at Théâtre du Châtelet … [Read more...]
Turandot coming home to China
After years spent building spectacular, state-of-the art opera houses in major metropolises and unheralded backwaters, China is experiencing a boom in Western-style grand opera production, opera education and original opera creation. “Opera development is like a miniature of the country,” said Chen Zuohuang, music director of the national center (and the conductor of “Xi … [Read more...]