The National Opera in Warsaw (photo source: Wikipedia)
The National Opera in Warsaw has just premiered a controversial production of Donizetti’s belcanto opera Lucretia Borgia. Not only has the story been taken out of the renaissance but also presented as opera’s first homosexual relationship story.
Click on the audio icon to listen to the report by Elżbieta Krajewska
The newest production at the National Opera in Warsaw is the work of director Michał Znaniecki, who is also the author of the set and costumes. EK spoke to him at the Opera on the eve of the premiere.
Lucretia Borgia at the National Opera certainly intrigues visually and does tell a consistent story, although it’s difficult to say whether it will be to the liking of those who would prefer to see it rather from a historical perspective.
The premiere performance was beautifully sung by Joanna Woś and conducted by Will Crutchfield.