Another year and yet another controversial production comes to the Royal Opera House. But despite some of the disturbing scenes included, what do the critics think about Katie Mitchell’s production?
The Guardian: ***Tim Ashley thought that: “this is ultimately a version of the opera rather than an interpretation, and the stagecraft can be over-complicated.”
The Telegraph: ** Rupert Christiansen wasn’t enthusiastic saying: “A lot of thought has gone into Katie Mitchell’s staging, most of it misguided.”
MusicOMH.com:****Sam Smith was more enthusiastic writing: “the staging is problematic rather than disastrous, and with the standard of singing being so high, a trip to the Royal Opera House is to be recommended.”
The Stage:***George Hall commented that: “The overall result feels fussy and overwrought.”
WhatsOnStage:***Mark Valencia said: ” Katie Mitchell’s new production of Lucia di Lammermoor is so thoughtfully conceived that one wills it to work, and sporadically it does.”
Express.co.uk: *** William Hartston found: “She is a director who likes to explore the psychological motivations behind the character’s actions, but some motivations are far better left to the audience’s imagination.”
The Financial Times:****Richard Fairman wrote that: ” Damrau is brilliantly convincing.”
Evening Standard:****Barry Millington found: “Mitchell powerfully depicts the ecstasy of a woman experiencing real love for the first time in her life.”
Blouin Artinfo: Warwick Thompson commented: “Diana Damrau (Lucia) flings herself into the production wholeheartedly, and if her upper coloratura lacks the bite and ping which some other sopranos have brought to the role, she gives a committed and energetic performance.”
Sketches on Theatre: “this is a bold and gutsy re-telling: one that gives Lucia her agency back, refuses to romanticize her death and enables a breathtaking performance from Diana Damrau in the title role.”
Lucia di Lammermoor is on at the Royal Opera House until the 19th May. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.