In Salzburg, Austria, the renowned Salzburg Festival has been showcasing unique and eccentric operas in recent years, with the latest production being a vibrant, extravagant, and captivating interpretation of Sergei Prokofiev’s “The Gambler” by director Peter Sellars.
The performance features soprano Asmik Grigorian as Polina and tenor Sean Panikkar as Alexei, receiving enthusiastic applause during its premiere at the Felsenreitschule on Monday night. The theater, situated within the Mönchsberg mountain and famously seen in the 1965 film “The Sound of Music,” was transformed with elaborate set designs by George Tsypin, including seven large roulette wheel chandeliers and a backdrop filled with broken mirrors.
Sellars highlighted the explosive sonic energy of the mountain, complemented by lighting designer James F. Ingalls’ use of Astera PlutoFresnel lamps to create a visually striking atmosphere in vibrant colors.
The production explores themes of gambling and addiction, with Grigorian’s character making a statement with her outfit designed by Camille Assaf, featuring a t-shirt reading “PATH CHOSEN — ALL OR NOTHING.” Festival artistic director Markus Hinterhäuser emphasized the relevance of the gambler figure in contemporary society, reflecting on how individuals play with various aspects of life and existence.
Sellars’ adaptation of the libretto includes modern updates such as replacing “telegram” with “email” in the on-stage English titles. The story unfolds in the fictional German town of Roulettenberg, delving into complex relationships, activism, and societal critiques.
The production, featuring Panikkar’s commanding stage presence and interactions with Grigorian, has garnered attention for its innovative approach to the classic opera. With additional performances scheduled through August 28 and a streaming option available, the production is set to reach a wider audience.
The festival’s artistic choices also reflect a spotlight on Russian culture, with notable figures such as Timur Zangiev conducting the Vienna Philharmonic and Nina Khrushcheva delivering a keynote speech. Despite geopolitical tensions, the festival organizers stand firm against cultural cancellation, emphasizing the importance of artistic expression and dialogue amidst differing viewpoints.
Sellars’ reimagining of “The Gambler” brings a fresh perspective to a classic work, blending tradition with contemporary themes and visuals to create a groundbreaking operatic experience for audiences at the Salzburg Festival.
