MEDIATHEK

Another winter is a new opera by Dominique Pauwels, inspired by the tumultuous relationship between the two legendary French poets, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine. Normand Chaurette is writing the libretto and Denis Marleau is directing, together with Stéphanie Jasmin, who has been his companion for many years now. The reputation of Denis Marleau, a major figure on the Quebec theatre scene, extends far beyond Canada’s borders. His artistic approach is distinguished by his challenging literary choices, meticulous directing, and innovative use of audio and video technology.

Another Winter is undeniably an opera of our time. Using the turbulent relationship between the French poets Rimbaud and Verlaine as a source of inspiration, Normand Chaurette rewrites their stoy in this production, brought on stage by 2 singers, 6 musicians, video projections, a children’s choir and a women’s choir. A part of them are flesh and blood, a part consists of projected faces. These video characters are very lifelike, yet their faces exude something elusive and alienating… Live voices flow through the recorded singing, the borders blur…

This ambiguous world, created by Dominique Pauwels’ music, and Denis Marleau and Stéphanie Jasmin’s staging, is perfectly representative of the story; with paper and pen all seems very poetic and romantic, but in real life the passion turns out to be deadly. A contrast between everyday reality and a world of words that lies in a grey area. A grey sea in which two passengers are sailing through ice cold water…