Estonia National Opera begins rehearsals for Verdi’s Othello

Estonia National Opera has begun rehearsals for Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Othello, with the season’s first new production directed by French filmmaker Vincent Boussard, ERR reported.

Boussard’s production presents the work, based on Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name, as a contemporary story about a world where lies and propaganda can quickly destroy an apparently stable order.

“What particularly affects me is how strongly the work resonates with the present day,” Boussard said at the first rehearsal. “Of course, the story is about racism, jealousy and domestic violence, but what strikes me most is the way it depicts a world that seems eternal and convinced of its own righteousness, yet collapses in an instant under the weight of a lie presented as fake news.”

Arvo Volmer is the production’s musical director and conductor, with Kaspar Mänd also conducting. The costumes and sets are designed by Boussard and Domenico Franchi of Italy. Nicolas Hurtevent of France is the video artist, and Rasmus Rembel is responsible for lighting.

Dimitris Paksoglou and Alessandro Fantoni will perform the title role. Dragutin Matić and Pedro Jose Carrillo Perera will play Iago. Desdemona will be portrayed by Kadri Raalik, Elena Brazhnyk and Arete Kerge.

Heldur Harry Põlda and Mart Madiste will perform Cassio, Aule Urb and Helen Lokuta will play Emilia, and Reigo Tamm and Rafael Dicenta will appear as Roderigo. Other roles will be performed by the national opera’s soloists and choir.

Othello will premiere on September 25.