From Sofia to Istanbul: Elektra’s revenge
The opera “Elektra” by Richard Strauss, inspired by Ancient Greek mythology, will be set in Istanbul by the Sofia Opera and Ballet. Director Plamen Kartaloff commented:
“Elektra is a soul-shaking piece. It’s like a river of sounds raging in the depths.”
Denise Burak Bayrak
The Sofia Opera and Ballet, one of the world’s leading opera ensembles, will present Elektra’s dramatic story to the Istanbul audience at the 16th International opera and ballet festival in Istanbul.
The piece by Richard Strauss, inspired by Sophocles’ tragedy, combines the themes of revenge and family relationships with the composer’s unique music taste and Hofmannsthal’s impressive libretto.
Director Kartaloff who will present “Elektra” on the 29th of May at the Ataturk opera, comments:
“Elektra’s directorship was built as a sequence of scenes which are in constant motion. Its rhythm reminds of a movie montage as the audience is drawn into this dynamic drama.”
Kartaloff said the following regarding Strauss’ score:
“He has given us everything we need in order to reinvent our own imagination. With the right interpretation and teamwork every performance can breathe new life into this timeless piece.”
The myth of Elektra in contemporary times
The story of Elektra, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, is one of Sophocles’ seven tragedies which have survived till modern times. According to the myth, after Agamemnon returns from the Trojan war, his wife murders him with the help of her lover Egist. Elektra remains her own mother’s enemy and awaits the day when her brother Orest will exact revenge. When Orest returns, he murders both his and Elektra’s mother and Egist.
The director notes:
“The motifs of revenge and guilt still echo to this day. Elektra is not only a classical piece but also a warning for the contemporary man. The desire for revenge is an inherent and lasting trait of human nature.
He adds:
“Elektra is a monumentally powerful opera. It’s stage version requires a kaleidoscope-like visual interpretation: constantly changing and full of tension.”
https://www.birgun.net/haber/sofyadan-istanbula-elektranin-intikami-626442