"Benjamin Britten's 'Owen Wingrave' under attack by internet trolls"
The Valle d'Itria Festival is currently hosting its 51st edition in Martina Franca, Puglia, and this year's programme includes a significant highlight: the Italian premiere of Benjamin Britten's opera "Owen Wingrave".
Based on a ghostly story by Henry James, "Owen Wingrave" tells the story of a young man named Owen who dares to rebel against his war-oriented family. The opera is an anti-militarist work, embodying Britten’s own pacifist views, as Owen refuses to continue in the family's military career, facing pressure from relatives but adhering to his convictions. The story culminates in a supernatural tragedy connected to an ancient family curse.
Directed by Andrea De Rosa, the production features Daniel Cohen as Owen and Āneas Humm interpreting the character of Owen Wingrave. The Orchestra of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala and a children's choir from Fondazione Paolo Grassi bring Britten’s intense and introspective work to life, emphasising the opera’s dramatic and psychological depth.
One of the most striking scenes in the opera is when Owen contemptuously pours a drink on the ghost of a character played by Simone Fenotti, and later, mysteriously, he is crushed by ghosts in a castle room.
The Valle d'Itria Festival's staging of "Owen Wingrave" has been praised for its modern yet faithful approach to Britten's score and themes. Critical reception highlights the opera's relevance as a strong anti-war manifesto, with the narrative’s focus on courage, personal conviction, and tragic consequences resonating strongly with contemporary audiences.
The festival's presentation has been noted for combining musical precision with dramatic intensity, contributing to "Owen Wingrave"'s recognition as a compelling modern opera.
In a significant move, the Valle d'Itria Festival has appointed Silvia Colasanti, a Roman composer, as its artistic director. Colasanti, who has important commissions in her past, has also designed the festival's poster. The imprint on the poster reflects openness to the present, reflection, and questioning, reflecting Colasanti's approach to the festival's programming.
Colasanti also has a new commission at La Scala scheduled for late September. The title of her commission, "Anna A.", is based on the works of Anna A. Achmatova. This commission marks an exciting addition to Colasanti's impressive career.
As the Valle d'Itria Festival continues to showcase groundbreaking productions, "Owen Wingrave" stands out as a prestigious addition to its programme, offering audiences a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
[1] [Britten, Benjamin. Owen Wingrave. Opera. Libretto by Myfanwy Piper. First performed 1971.]
[2] [James, Henry. The Turn of the Screw. Novella. First published 1898.]
[3] [Piper, Myfanwy. The Turn of the Screw. Libretto. First published 1954.]
[4] [Britten, Benjamin. Owen Wingrave. Opera. Libretto by Myfanwy Piper. First performed 1971.]
[5] [Valle d'Itria Festival. "Owen Wingrave". Accessed May 1, 2023. https://www.valleitria.it/en/programme/owen-wingrave/]
The Valle d'Itria Festival's staging of "Owen Wingrave," an anti-war opera by Benjamin Britten, offers movie-lovers and TV enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with a powerful and thought-provoking entertainment experience. Based on the novel "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James, this opera is filled with supernatural thrills and emotional depth that appeal to fans of both classic literature and contemporary opera.
