On Wednesday evening, the cast of Syracuse Opera’s “Don Giovanni” rehearsed in The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, preparing for opening night this weekend. A soprano voice reverberated throughout the space as the performer portraying Don Anna was dragged across the stage by her character’s father, accompanied by a full-bodied orchestra.

Syracuse Opera’s production of “Don Giovanni” opens Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. The company will perform the show’s Italian version, written by Lorenzo Da Ponte, but with the use of traditional period costumes.

While the performance stays true to script, the company hopes to give the opera a modern flair through revamped staging and a different acting approach.

“The musical language stays the same, but the stage language can change,” said Christian Capocaccia, conductor of the opera. “The challenge is to speak in a language, metaphorically, that is accessible, but without changing the language so much that it becomes a different medium.”

For Capocaccia, who’s from Rome, Italy, performing an opera in the United States is vastly different than doing so in Italy — where the art form is more popular. He described how, in Rome, cab drivers are some of the most “experienced opera lovers” in the world.

When it comes to opera in Italy, Capocaccia said people will see performances of the play multiple times, making the audience demand a newer, fresher version of the opera. In the U.S., on the other hand, he said it’s more acceptable to perform a rendition that’s truer to script.

The unfamiliarity of the opera’s language is a potential barrier for audiences. Ophelie Wolf, director of the opera, hopes to make the audience feel more included.

“I think my job as a director is to translate that so that it doesn’t matter what they’re singing,” Wolf said. “The story is still the same. The story is still relevant.”

Katie Hannigan, who plays the role of Zerlina, described her character as naive, yet savvy. For her, opera is different from musical theater beyond solely the differences in vocal technique.

“Things become more suspended in time, whereas with musical theater, there can be more opportunity of being in the moment,” Hannigan said. She said it’s important to recognize that although this story is set centuries ago, these characters can still be relatable to today’s audiences.

“Don Giovanni” follows the titular character’s path leading him to hell. The inciting incident — an attempted rape — is what Wolf thinks can connect the opera to modern times.

“In the current ‘Me Too’ movement environment, it’s an interesting piece to be doing,” Wolf said.

The opera’s performances of “Don Giovanni” will take place Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.

Published on January 30, 2019 at 9:32 pm

Contact Mateo: mtestlin@syr.edu