Leoš Janáček’s Kátia Kabanová by André Engel
Opera in 3 acts by Leoš Janáček on a libretto by Leoš Janáček after Vincence Cervinka’s translation, based on The Storm by Alexander Nikolaievitch Ostrovski.
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Presentation
Leoš Janáček adapted Alexander Ostrovski’s play The Storm himself, working from a Czech translation by Vincenc Cervinka, after having acquired the rights in 1919. His libretto proposes a vivid and compact scenario in three acts, tellingly emphasizing the individual drama. The Volga riverside is the setting of the story of an oppressed woman, Kátia Kabanová. The tragedy of her love impels her toward suicide. This opera is a reflection upon each individual’s quality of life, the backwardness of certain societies, the desire for change, the creation of an ideal of life.
The Royaumont Foundation offers young vocal artists the unique opportunity to approach this highly complex work within a workshop led by André Engel assisted by Ruth Orthmann.
Following upon his celebrated work on The Cunning Little Vixen (reprise at the Paris Opera in June-July 2010), André Engel—who appreciates Janáček—takes on Kátia Kabanová, working with the workshop participants toward an all-encompassing perspective vision within spaces specially set up on the premises of the abbey as well as other, more out-of-the-ordinary ones, such as the Royaumont Park.
To experience a complete role from the great operatic repertory is a dramaturgical task but also a musical one.
Greatly in demand all over the world, Irčne Kudela, responsible for the musical direction, will bring into play all her knowledge: artistic for this singular score, and linguistic for this libretto written in Czech, one of her native languages. The work will be carried out in two stages, thus making it possible to fully reveal all the riches of this score via the wedding of words and music that make up musical conversation: the former will be individual musical preparation prior to the session and the latter the training which includes the work of staging.
Theoretical instruction
Contextualisation of the work to be studied
Stylistic analysis
Practical instruction
Study of the concept of role as governed by the situation. Overall contextualisation of the work in order to experience a complete role out of the great operatic repertory from the dramatic and musical standpoint.
Method
Work within spaces specially set up on the premises of the abbey as well as other, more out-of-the-ordinary ones, such as the Royaumont Park.
Faculty
André Engel, stage director
Ruth Orthmann, staging assistant
Irčne Kudela, rehearsal/role coach
Calendar
Auditions
22-23 February 2010
Session
Musical preparation
Saturday 20 through Monday 22 March and Tuesday 29 June through Thursday 1 July 2010
Musical and dramatic work
Sunday 1 through Friday 20 August 2010
for a total of 26 days of instruction
Public presentation
Fenętre sur cour[s] Friday 20 August 2010
Places available for
9 singers:
2 sopranos: Katia et Varvara
2 mezzos: Kabanicha et Glasa
3 tenors: Boris, Kudrjas et Tichon
1 baritone: Kuligin
1 bass: Dikoj
2 role coaches
Fee information
The cost-sharing fee is made up of a compulsory registration fee, a compulsory membership in the Association des amis de Royaumont, tuition, and boarding expenses.
For this session a scholarship arrangement with the AFDAS is pending.
Financial aid for tuition
› for casual entertainment workers (intermittents du spectacle): through the AFDAS under the following conditions: 2 years in activity, 48 fee units (days) within France, as attested by payslips and Congés Spectacles certificates.
› for salaried employes (full or part time): via their employers’ continuing education programs.
› for the unemployed: instructions available from the local ANPE and/or ASSEDIC offices.
› for RMI beneficiaries: via authorities in each département (Conseil Général) – contact the appropriate services for further information.
If you are eligible for such financial assistance, a total amount of 150 € remains at your expense.
Scholarships
Every year L’Association des amis de Royaumont grants scholarships to artists under 29 years of age who do not yet have a regular professional activity.
This grant is made by a commission on the basis of a portfolio (resume, photo, letter of motivation).
If you are eligible for this scholarship from the Association des amis de Royaumont, a total amount of 150 € remains at your expense.
For participants who are not in a position to qualify for any other financial aid, the Foundation grants scholarship stipends on request and based on a portfolio.
If you are eligible for such financial assistance, a total amount of 670 € remains at your expense.