Oedipe: Paris Opera Pulls Together

The past few years have been a tumultuous time for the Paris Opera, to say the least. It's an understatement to describe it as traumatic, but that's exactly what it feels like. In fact, when Wajdi Mouawad approached the company's technical crew with his vision for staging George Enescu's 'Oedipe,' a rarity from the 1930s based on the Greek myth, he was met with a mix of confusion and disinterest.

Mouawad, who runs the Théâtre National de la Colline in Paris, is no stranger to the opera world. However, even he was taken aback by the reaction he received from the choristers when he explained the story behind 'Oedipe.' It's not often that a director takes the time to thoroughly explain the intricacies of the libretto, but Mouawad knew it was essential for his production.

To ensure everyone was on the same page, Mouawad compiled a glossary of obscure references from the libretto, including 'the water of Castalia,' a sacred spring in Delphi. He sent this comprehensive guide to the chorus, and it wasn't long before rehearsals began.

Despite the initial hesitation from some members of the technical crew, Mouawad's dedication to his vision has brought the Paris Opera together in ways that might have seemed impossible just a short while ago. As he said himself, 'I feel like I'm stepping into a traumatized world that now believes its trauma is the norm.' But with 'Oedipe,' it seems the company is finally pulling together to create something truly special.

Mouawad's experience working with the Paris Opera has been enlightening, to say the least. He's come to realize that even those who are often overlooked – like the technical crew and choristers – deserve to be understood and respected. As rehearsals continue for 'Oedipe,' it's clear that this production will be a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing people together, even in the face of adversity.

Oedipe paris opera pulls together