Yo Adrian

Today marks the end of a production, a period of performing: the last performance of the Adrian Noble Carmen, co-produced by Opera Comique, Granada and Luxembourg.

Perhaps it resembled a slugfest at times behind the scenes in it's early days but it became a sweet and dear friend, especially under the guardianship of Evelino Pidó at the podium, as did the Rocky movie franchise in it's final installment, this scene being one of Burgess Meredith's crowning achievements. Less is more moving. (I can't embed that clip due to permissions, but I hope you'll watch it.)  We are led by the fantastic musical team of he and Pierre Vallet.

One of my careers most memorable times was working with Adrian Noble. I never would have been able to do what I did in the either production of Parsifal without it. He began the work of letting go. His training began to help me see I did not have to taste every morsel I served. I did not have to live every emotion, to convey them.

I received an interesting email this week from a singer-friend. He writes: 

[Since writing you last] I learned that… I have found a way to relax my mind and my heart, to the point of not even recognizing who I was before being so calm. Yet, I didn't notice any of this until I began to review Don Jose … woke up feeling shitty and polluted and didn't know what was wrong. Turns out that I figured out how to let the characters live in me, but I never knew I was also supposed to turn them off so I can go on with my life in a somewhat normal way.  

I had to make a decision everytime I sang a character that transforms as much as Don Jose on how to allow the emotional part of him become mine, but for me to disengage my actual SELF from the whole experience. I felt like I was a pupeteer and my voice and body were at my command, but I was a disembodied entity. Ever felt anything like that?

Yeah. I've felt that. And that is why the rebounding from that experience of Parsifal has been so hard. In Castellucci's production, I was given free reign to relax and not even 'be.' It was even a further step than my colleague speaks of. I was asked not to convey emotion, but let my voice and the bigger picture do the conveying. (Whether it was as effective as the Bieito in moving its public is a different point of discussion, and probably dependent on personal aesthetics). 

Soon, people will judge for themselves as to the effectiveness of the Castellucci Parsifal. It was announced yesterday that a movie was made of the production, to premiere at the Aix Festival in July. It will also be broadcast after that.

But back to Adrian. "Ah, I see. You are a very method actor." Perfect British understatement for: "Stop flinging yourself about, 'showing' so much and trying so hard." That was the moment I began to realize I didn't have to work quite so hard. I could actually step back and not give 110% all the time.

I took some time off of blogging to try to process what I had learned in Brussels. The time of reflection began with an incredible dud in it's application into an old role but slowly, bit by bit, I have gotten back up off the mat. 

It will be a bittersweet goodbye to my colleagues. My leading lady, Anna Caterina Antonacci, has always been a delight. She helped me through so many tough times in the early days by her calm demeanor and complete support. Some type of diva's do battle onstage. Anna Caterina's not one of them. She simply lives there and never competes. She is. No mugging during "my" moments. She captivates like the best Carmens in history. She is Carmen.

And I've swapped more spit with Anne Catherine Gillet than is probably healthy. Adrian's staging has Micaela kissing José often with abandon. Can't say as I mind, but I'm sure her husband will be as glad as my wife is for the reprieve after show's end, never mind my mother. 

Yesterday, over lunch a colleague said to me: "My young child asked me after seeing the show, 'Do you remember me while you are onstage? Do you remember you are my mommy?' My child seriously wanted to know if I forgot about them?! I was shocked! It is only work." From the mouths of babes…

And so it's over. We hope you enjoyed the show. Here's a heartfelt salute to all the technicians and crew who have made it possible. 

Many thanks.