Monteverdi’s Return of Ulysses – Wolf Trap Opera Company (2009) – ShadowtimeNYC

The Return of Ulysses at Wolf Trap Opera Company

Once again, I am inspired and overwhelmed by the aesthetics of an opera. Director James Marvel‘s spartan yet sumptuous production of Monteverdi’s 1640 telling of The Odyssey hinged on the artful interplay of sound, texture, light, and video imagery. The set was stark muted silver and rusted around the edges providing a post-apocalyptic aura that was expertly juxtaposed with the organic imagery projected upon it throughout the show. The moving images behind the moving players onstage merged to present evocative and entrancing tableau after tableau. This is what the term ‘Rock Opera’ was made for. The execution and aesthetic dynamism of the production was thrilling beyond expectation.

– Kristen Sollee, ShadowtimeNYC