A Troglodyte’s Take on Regietheater

I know. A troglodyte mixes with Opera like chew-spit mixes with a recently opened pop (soda for most of the world). But, as I have been exploring, I have discovered a new term: Regietheater. What is that? It is the newfangling of opera allowing the director the freedom to change things around. Make it ‘hip,’ ‘phat’ or whatever terms the trendy use nowadays. What do I think of it? It’s new. So of course I hate it.

Now, before you start thinking I’m simply being ironic, I do not dislike Regietheater because it is new. I wouldn't even mind watching an opera in a more modern setting—as long as it stays true to the spirit of the composer. My problem with Regietheater is they do these freaking bizarre things to opera.  Weird noises. Graphic scenes. Sloppy sets. And, lots of red paint (blood). Moreover, they push themes that have nothing to do with the composer’s, some of which are at odds with this troglodyte.

‘Hey troglodyte, you just don’t get the symbolism.’ It is true. I’m not that bright. "Thanks for putting giant masks on the antagonists and giving them oversized furniture, because I wasn’t bright enough to know you wanted to tell me they were small men with big heads." And, why does it seem that modern symbolism so often equates with graphic? Just because one calls attention-getting dribble satire, doesn’t mean it really is.

‘Well, Regietheater explores brutal realities.’ I’ll admit there is value in emotional honesty. And, grit can have its place. But, isn’t that the power of the music? And, how does creating a new brutal reality for those exposing themselves—because they feel it may be their only shot at being discovered—help solve the cruelties Regietheater claims to abhor? (i.e. sexual exploitation, for profit.) And, do some operas loose the opportunity of discovering great talent, due to a particular set of values… Or a particular set of looks?

 ‘What about one’s artistic vision? Would (blah artist) have changed his (blah work) in order to cater to the complainers?’ There is a difference between sticking to one’s artistic vision versus piggybacking off some other artist’s vision in order to manipulate audiences into absorbing themes that have little-to-nothing to do with the original artist’s intentions. And, then have the gall to call those that complain, troglodytes. (A badge of honor for this man, I’m simply defending those of refined tastes.) If someone wants to pursue artistic vision, do so… Create that revolutionary opera. Of course, that would that require a ton of slow, often-fruitless labor trying to build a name and beckon audiences.  As opposed to the ease of bait-and-switch.

But, if one wants to share with the world why Mozart (for example) was great, share Mozart. Share his struggles, his doubt, as he expressed them. That is what most who hear the name come to see.