The Tales of Hoffmann revisited in Salzburg

The Tales of Hoffmann this year in Salzburg is new production, thus expected an interesting concept as per interview with the director Mariame Clement.

Benjamin Bernheim as Hoffmann ©SF/Monika Rittershaus

Unfortunately, last night leaving Salzburg Festspielhaus I felt disappointment and sadness- disappointment as a beautiful plot of this multilayered story has been turned from opera fantastique into opera buffa, and sad as there was an enviable cast on the stage who could have made this into memorable performance at the festival history.

After the first act my impression of the staging was not complimentary- too much mess, the intent to tell a story of the movie director revisiting his love story is lost behind the crowded stage with chorus, extras and stage workers. The idea of blending together real life with memories with dreams and fantasies does not come across well.

Act three with Antonia was a messy clutter, mocking of illness and death, ridiculing love and suffering took over outstanding performances of singers.

Regardless of failed staging, vocal performances shined and in a long time I had a wish to avert my eyes from the stage and just listen to the music.

Benjamin Bernheim in the role of Hoffmann, I was excited to see him again – you might have noticed his great performance at the olympics closure ceremony! The role of Hoffmann fits him like a glove, his voice souring above the audience. Light and mellow, at the same time filled with color of emotions.

To distinguish different periods in the life of Hoffmann Bernheim changes his outfit – as a youngster he wears flared jeans, longer hair and nice hat, in the middle age – banana cut jeans, and in the present time – slim fit jeans. The jacket stays the same throughout the performance and assuming – life of Hoffmann. Bernheim delivered dramatic portrayal of his character regardless of obstacles created by the director’s intent.

Kathryn Lewek and Benjamin Bernheim ©SF/Monika Rittershaus

Kathryn Lewek was Stella/ Olympia/ Antonia/ Giulietta – great to see after her hilarious performance at Salzburgs’s Orphée aux enfers as Eurydice in 2019. She has a bright and flowing coloratura especially sparkling in Olympia’s song. Her performance was convincing and consistent regardless of too extreme exploitation of her body shape – shining oversized bras.

Kate Lindsey as Nicklausse and Muse was the only consistent element of the staging – her fluid change of gender and style was admirable and her vocal performance outstanding. Her protagonist was the common sense and reason in the never ending search of self and meaning of life for Hoffmann.

©SF/Monika Rittershaus