By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
An artistic director is like a chef. The ingredients ― original story and musical composition ― are the same, but depending on how you whip it up, it can taste bland or spectacular. In that sense, Massimo Gasparon, disciple of ``star chef'' Pier Luigi Pizzi, has a knack for gourmet meals. His rendition of Verdi's classic ``Aida,'' currently being staged through Saturday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, northern Seoul, was, notwithstanding some technical glitches, a true audiovisual feast.
Part of a three-year collaboration with Pizzi, the Korea Opera Group brings a unique project where the works of the veteran Italian director and his young follower Gasparon simultaneously present ``Turandot'' and ``Aida,'' respectively. The two works are being alternately staged through Sunday. It brings the whole cast and striking backdrops as they appeared, with great critical acclaim, in Italy's 2006 Macerata Festival. There's no need to travel to Europe.
Tuesday's ``Aida'' marked the first of its three shows, the others being staged tonight and Saturday. As it is with most firsts, some of the jetlagged singers weren't in their best condition, the lighting directions were off at times and occasionally the orchestra was less than perfect. Yet it was still a first-rate performance, as reflected by the enthusiastic response from the packed house. Soprano Raffaella Angeletti was absolutely ravishing as Aida, winning the audience's heart with her presence, moving voice and subtle gestures.
Certain aspects of the mise-en-scene, like the usage of steps to create a stage-within-a-stage and a primary color palette, gave a ring of Pizzi. But Gasparon proves to be an independent artist in his own right. Unlike Pizzi's signature style marked by boldness and extravagance, Gasparon utilizes minimalism ― and attains maximum results.
The black and white costumes and props are sparingly adorned by gold, and Ancient Egypt comes back to life with a modern edge. But it's not just another fresh twist, as it embodies the heart and soul of the 19th century original. As much as ``Aida'' is about a love triangle and being torn between duty and desire, the production highlights the psychological aspects. Characters that climb up and down the stairs of the monumental white platform physically orchestrate emotional flows. Their fluid pleated chiffon costumes (Issey Miyake, anyone?) add texture to the simple backdrop.
The work is overall a celebration of symmetry and form. The plain white stage-within-a-stage, topped with a pyramid, is the only backdrop but members of the choir, both female and male groups, painted white head to toe, are an extension of the architecture. Dancers, with their exotic, passionate moves, also give rhythm to the organic structure of the production.
It will be most interesting to juxtapose Gasparon's artistry with that of his teacher, Pizzi. Pizzi's ornate and vibrant production of Puccini's ``Turandot'' will be staged Friday and Sunday.
Tickets cost 20,000-310,000 won for each show. Call (02) 587-1950. Sejong Center is located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwangwhamun station on subway line 5.