There is nothing better than having time fly by at the opera! “Faust” is a gripping tale of making a contract with Satan and exploring what we really desire if we had the choice. The classic story warns us that morality is not merely popular opinion nor is it a call to a gendered sense of honour. “Faust” is a suspenseful opera with plot twists that will keep you on the edge. The second Act, in particular, is riveting and unexpected – so make sure to come back from the intermission!
Francois Racine’s direction brings this dated tale to the present with casting choices that appeal to sensibilities of Vancouverites. One of the cast members plays with the idea of gender fluidity, which, in my opinion, was subversive in the most genius way! “Faust” is a bit tragic and the content is sombre as it deals with murder, betrayal, and lessons learned from hardships in life. Having said that, the story is also eternal. It asks the audience the tough questions of reflecting on what matters in life: how we love and how we judge who is good and who isn’t. There is a distinct religious framing to these questions of morality which speaks to its time since the opera was first performed in 1859.
This French opera is worth the lengthy commitment even on a weeknight. The orchestra is magnificent and the set is refreshing because of its minimalistic versatility. Usually, opera sets are quite extravagant, but the simplicity of the set design here allows the audience to focus on the actors, the singing, and the story – and of course, the music!
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– Maira Hassan