Atlanta Opera Shines with Unique Presentation of Glass’ La Belle et la Bête

The Atlanta Opera delivered a captivating performance of Philip Glass‘s “La Belle et la Bête” on October 21, 2023, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The production, under the direction of Tomer Zvulun, marked a significant moment for the company as it explored the boundaries of opera and its modern interpretations.

This one-night-only event showcased Glass’ 1994 work, which serves as a live-to-film presentation of the iconic Jean Cocteau film from 1946. The Atlanta Opera had already prepared its audience for this unique experience through a season themed around the exploration of what defines opera. Previous performances included innovative pairings like “La Bohème” alongside its contemporary counterpart, “Rent,” and a recent interpretation of “Fiddler on the Roof” in collaboration with Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre.

Innovative Musical Experience

In this presentation, the Atlanta Opera projected Cocteau’s film onto a flat stage curtain while Glass’ score accompanied the visuals. The orchestra featured a medium-sized ensemble with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, but did not reach the grand scale of traditional operatic performances. The four singers, positioned at music stands on either side of the stage, complemented the film’s haunting visuals with their operatic voices.

Glass’ score replaces the original soundtrack composed by Georges Auric, integrating sung recitative in place of spoken dialogue. While some may find this shift unconventional for an opera, Glass’ distinctive style infuses the work with a unique aural landscape. The score creates an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the film’s emotional depth, although it diverges from traditional operatic forms.

The experience was enriched by the film’s striking cinematography, which retains a dreamlike quality reminiscent of silent films. Cocteau’s visuals are filled with symbolic imagery that deepens the narrative of transformation and beauty. The Atlanta Opera’s audience was transported into this surreal world, though some moments elicited laughter rather than the intended emotional response, possibly due to familiarity with Disney’s animated adaptation from 1991.

Performers Shine in Unique Roles

The Atlanta Opera’s cast brought an impressive range of vocal talent to the production. Kayleigh Decker, portraying Belle, delivered a stellar performance with her warm timbre and expressive delivery. Alexis Seminario showcased her versatility by playing both of Belle’s stepsisters and demonstrating a striking transformation between roles.

Baritone David Crawford effectively captured the essence of Belle’s dysfunctional family, while baritone Hadleigh Adams navigated multiple characters, including Avenant and the Beast. The production highlighted the challenges faced by the performers in translating Glass’ complex score into a compelling narrative.

Overall, the Atlanta Opera’s presentation of “La Belle et la Bête” was a striking exploration of modern opera. The fusion of Glass’ music with Cocteau’s visuals created an engaging experience that encouraged audiences to reconsider the boundaries of the art form. As the opera continues to evolve, this performance stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the Atlanta Opera and its commitment to showcasing diverse operatic expressions.

As Philip Glass approaches his 89th birthday in 2024, opportunities to experience his music live are more important than ever. The Atlanta Opera’s willingness to embrace and present contemporary works ensures that audiences remain engaged with the ever-changing landscape of opera.