Current trends in directing opera performances

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to identify trends in the development of 21st-century operadirection in the context of symbiotic processes of theatrical and musical art. Methodology is basedon the use of complex theoretical interaction – systemic (for holistic research of operaperformances as an artistic phenomenon), historical (for analyzing the further development ofoperatic direction), analytical (for researching trends of operatic direction in the context of themodern sociocultural process) and empirical (for purposeful studying object of study) methods.Scientific novelty. The tendencies of the development of modern opera in the context of the specificsof directorial activity have been determined; analyzed the symbiotic processes of theatrical andmusical components of the opera on the example of the productions «Masked Ball» (dir. P. Pizzі, in2014), «La Traviata» (director A. Bernard, 2017), «Aida» by G. Verdi (dir. M. Kavanagh, 2018)and «Tosca» by G. Puccini (dir. A. Talevye, 2018) proved that innovative directorial principles andmethods have a positive effect on the development of performing skills of opera artists.Conclusions. The innovation of opera productions at the present stage is due to the pronouncedindividuality of the direction, the characteristic features of which are: an understanding of theimportance of the creative analysis of the specifics of the modern socio-cultural space; originalartistic thinking, etc. Summarizing the practice of opera and dramatic direction, leading artistscreate new staged culture using the discoveries of modern world theater, preferring the naturalexpression of emotions, reflection and revelation of the spiritual life of a person in performances,since it is the energy component of the play and its spectacle is the key to success with the viewer. The main principle of directorial cooperation with performers is the creation of holistic stageimages due to the accuracy of vocal interpretation and enhancement of acting. The classic legacy ofopera art is currently the basis for innovative creative searches of directors, dominant in which isto preserve the structure of the work as a holistic phenomenon, strengthening the leading role ofmusical dramaturgy, non-standard possibilities of stage decisions, according to the features of themusical score.Key words: opera, musical score, directors, opera performances, conductors, operaperformers.