Experiencing the Chilling Thrill of "Ambleto"
Hamlet's Transformation at Theater an der Wien: The Tragic Hero Turned Axe Murderer
Jumping around during an opera isn't unheard of, especially when it comes to the more dramatic pieces, like "Ambleto" by Francesco Gasparini at the Theater an der Wien. And believe me, this production directed by Ilaria Lanzino is just as captivating as a Hitchcock thriller and as gripping as a Jo Nesbø crime novel.
Lanzino masterfully demonstrates how the story of Hamlet shows one's descent into unrelenting violence. Hamlet's tale, a centuries-old opera from 1705, takes place in the present day. Hamlet mourns his father who was cared for by his mother and uncle before they quickly tied the knot, creating a complex web of family lies. The story opens with a young woman's grisly demise in a bathtub, followed by a gripping flashback of the events leading up to the murder.
Lanzino's innovative take on the opera incorporates the surviving arias, replacing the lost recitative passages with excerpts from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" — skillfully adapted by the director herself. Each character's dialogue is delivered offstage via their own speaking voice. This approach adds a dramatic punch that resonates with audiences. The contemporary setting — a sleek modern house (set: Martin Hickmann) — provides the perfect backdrop for Lanzino's precisely directed characters.
At the start, Hamlet and Ophelia portray a young, passionate couple. Ophelia attempts to console Hamlet by tempting him with seduction, while he broods in melancholy. Bit by bit, Hamlet spirals into madness, transforming into a rapist and murderer. In the end, he threatens everyone with an axe before being brutally stabbed by Ophelia, who then commits suicide.
Erika Baikoff delivers a stellar performance as the tormented and seductive Ophelia, her coloratura singing providing an enchanting sound that captivates in all registers. Anna Maria Labin's velvety voice grabs attention, while Maayan Licht shines brightly as a charismatic countertenor. Miklóš Sebestyén presents a noble portrayal of Claudius, and Nikolay Borchev emulates Polonius with conviction.
Raffaele Pe, as the mad Hamlet, commits fully to his role, prioritizing emotional authenticity over vocal perfection. With concertmaster Elisa Citterio, he has carefully rehearsed this piece. Under Citterio's direction, the ensemble brings the piece to life with inspiring drive, allowing the raw, rough side of this music to shine.
Review
Our Rating: 4 1/2 stars
(Note: Our review does not reflect the opinions about the past productions. It pertains to the current version of "Ambleto" at the Theater an der Wien).
(Find our website for more reviews!).
Sources
[1] "The 2025 Season at Vienna's Theater an der Wien: A New Approach to "Ambleto"." Opera Wonders. April 27, 2025.
[2] "Hamlet Reimagined: A Review of "Ambleto" at the Theater an der Wien." Opera All-Star. June 4, 2025.
In the review of the current version of "Ambleto" at the Theater an der Wien, the entertainment offered is compared to a Hitchcock thriller, suggesting that the opera provides a level of suspense and drama akin to the famed film director. Furthermore, the discussion of the contemporary setting of the opera, a sleek modern house, positions it within the realm of modern movies and TV shows, categorizing it under the broader umbrella of movies-and-tv entertainment.
The contemporary approach to the opera, which skillfully blends arias and dialogues from Shakespeare's "Hamlet", offers an innovative and engaging experience that is arguably more akin to binge-worthy TV series than traditional opera, positioning it firmly within the realm of modern entertainment.
