SET UP So we need to create something very specific. We need opera’s with high production value. That sparkle, are opulent and rich in appearance. They need to be set in a traditional setting, or at least a easily appealing. No illogical modernisations or experimental interpretations. But they must not be stuffy, old fashioned, boring or superficial. On the contrary: exuberant, human, recognisable and first and foremost very alive. Both in Ukraine and in Holland one must get the feeling: “This is what opera was intended to be!” Exactly what we heard from audience and press when we brought operetta’s, produced in Ukraine to Holland. The NRC wrote: This is operetta as it was intended to be. Krone has the ability to present this production with the double handle on direction that contemporary opera needs. Multi cultural and international as well is the adequate instrumental and vocal cast: choir and orchestra are from the Ukraine, soloists from Germany, Austria, and The Netherlands But more important regional papers agreed as well: Dick Idema form the Steenwijker wrote: Marc Krone makes a statement with this production. No modernisation, but a timeless setting. Those who came to the Meenthe assuming to find chandeliers and flirty puff sleeves in a quaint late 19th century decor was put on a different track. Without falling into historicising or superficial comedy Krone showed unadorned human dilemmas. The minimal decor could be literally transformed in an instant. Many young talent on the stage of this Gipsy Baron. Marc Krone has succeeded thanks to smooth choreography and costumes to create a bridge between then and now. A great achievement! I therefore believe in the setup we worked out earlier on. You have to bring together the best of all worlds. See where the strengths and weaknesses lie of all involved and act upon that. I believe you shouldn’t compromise -certainly not the first time- in forming the creative team. For Charkov it is important that both audiences and the theatre will embrace this new direction. For it will involve a lot of change in how they work and what is needed. But it seems inevitable if they want to keep selling their productions abroad. There is a call for upgrade from the the clients. Thus Charkov will profit greatly by this “step into the future” 7
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