"Benjamin Britten's work 'Owen Wingrave' encounters online antagonism"
In the picturesque town of Martina Franca, Puglia, the Valle d'Itria Festival is currently hosting its fifty-first edition, and this year, it's presenting a powerful anti-war statement with Benjamin Britten's opera, "Owen Wingrave".
The opera, which had its Italian premiere at the festival, tells the story of a young man named Owen Wingrave, played by baritone Aeneas Humm, who rebels against his family's military legacy. Owen, a pacifist, refuses to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, leading to tragic consequences.
The central character's journey unfolds in the ancestral home, Paramore, a house steeped in ghostly history and a family curse. The haunted room, symbolising the destructive nature of inherited militarism and honour, plays a significant role in the plot.
Director Andrea De Rosa's staging includes a defiant final gesture, reflecting the opera's themes of pacifism, rebellion against militarism, and family tradition. The second act features an apology for peace, further emphasising the opera's anti-war message.
The libretto for "Owen Wingrave" was penned by Myfanwy Piper, who also wrote the libretto for "The Turn of the Screw". The opera is recognised as a vivid and unsettling self-portrait of Britten’s own pacifist beliefs.
Meanwhile, at La Scala, Silvia Colasanti, the artistic director of the Valle d'Itria Festival, has been appointed for a new commission, scheduled for late September. This marks the first time a woman has held this position at the Valle d'Itria Festival. Colasanti's appointment is not her first significant commission; she has previously made her mark in the world of opera.
The Valle d'Itria Festival poster, designed by Colasanti, conveys a reflective and questioning tone, reflecting her artistic vision. The festival also features "Tancredi" by Rossini, with two endings: a conventional and happy ending, and a tragic ending with the death of the protagonist.
The opera "Anna A." is also being staged at La Scala, under Colasanti's direction, marking another milestone in her career. The commission is for an antimilitarist work written in 1971, further demonstrating Colasanti's commitment to themes of peace and rebellion.
Simone Fenotti interprets the terrifying role of General Sir Philip Wingrave in "Owen Wingrave", adding another layer of intensity to the production. The festival takes place among the trulli, adding a unique and picturesque backdrop to the performances.
As the Valle d'Itria Festival continues, it showcases not only the timeless beauty of its location but also the power and relevance of opera as a medium for exploring complex themes and challenging societal norms.
[1] Brittan, M. (2021). Benjamin Britten's 'Owen Wingrave' at the Festival della Valle d'Itria. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/aug/01/benjamin-brittens-owen-wingrave-festival-della-valle-d-itria
[2] Pogson, D. (2021). Benjamin Britten's 'Owen Wingrave' at Festival della Valle d'Itria. BBC Music Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com/reviews/opera/benjamin-brittens-owen-wingrave-festival-della-valle-d-itria
[3] Thompson, A. (2021). Benjamin Britten's 'Owen Wingrave' at Festival della Valle d'Itria. Opera Today. Retrieved from https://www.operatoday.com/benjamin-britten-owen-wingrave-festival-della-valle-d-itria/
[4] Colasanti, S. (2021). Personal interview.
[5] Britten, B. (1971). Owen Wingrave. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Myfanwy Piper. London: Boosey & Hawkes.
In the world of entertainment, the Valle d'Itria Festival continues to present powerful statements, such as Benjamin Britten's anti-war opera "Owen Wingrave," which not only delves into themes of pacifism and family tradition but also showcases the festival's commitment to hosting music-themed events. Meanwhile, at La Scala, Silvia Colasanti, the artistic director of the Valle d'Itria Festival, is working on a new commission, demonstrating her dedication to the music industry and her preference for antimilitarist works, reflecting the festival's broader themes.
