A Guru of Opera at La Cuisine de Nice
Laurent Petitgirard, the Permanent Secretary of the Académie des beaux-arts, leads the French premiere of his opera “Guru” at “La Cuisine,” the new performance venue of the Théâtre National de Nice, co-produced with the Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur.
Set on an isolated island, the opera tells the story of a Guru who controls a community wholly devoted to his cult, a narrative tragically inspired by real events, specifically the 1978 collective suicide of 914 followers from the “People’s Temple.”
In this production, with a libretto by Xavier Maurel, the character Marie joins the sect to dismantle the Guru’s power and prevent the looming tragedy. However, she ultimately fails and finds herself surrounded by the dead, including the Guru. Directed by Muriel Mayette-Holtz, with assistance from Ornella Bastoni, the opera does not shy away from its violent themes, even portraying a scene of sexual violence against Marie. The intensity of the performances effectively conveys the harrowing manipulation and mental control exhibited through gripping interactions, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and menace hidden beneath a facade of false harmony.
The limited stage size enhances the impression of a confined horde of devotees, drawing the audience deeper into this oppressive environment. In a strikingly immersive touch, six followers enter through the audience, breaking down the barriers between performers and spectators.
Above the stage, a screen extends the scenery into foreboding landscapes, often featuring coastal views and ominous crows. The performers, captured on video, navigate different spaces, which complicates the viewer’s focus and blurs the lines of interaction among the characters.
Costumes and set designs by Rudy Sabounghi, with support from Quentin Gargano Dumas, position the action in contemporary times, underscoring the timeless relevance of the themes explored. The stage floor mimics sand and pools of water, surrounded by a few tall plants, while props like banknotes and a gun reinforce the grim narrative.
Lighting by François Thouret maintains a subtle palette, alternating between warm tones that evoke the supposed warmth of the island and cold hues that reflect the chilling final moments of the collective suicide.
Baritone Armando Noguera portrays the Guru, displaying a vibrant timbre and impressive endurance despite the venue’s challenging acoustics. His performance gradually descends into madness, evidenced by a slow release of his gestures and vocal expressions.
Sonia Petrovna, as Marie, takes on the sole non-singing role, skillfully navigating her rhythmic declamation with natural ease, modulating her emotions throughout.
Anaïs Constans embodies Iris, a character neglected by the Guru and grieving the loss of her child. The soprano captivates with her contrasting nuances, effectively traversing the vocal range that culminates in her expression of maternal grief.
The Nice Opera Chorus plays a vital role, clad in black and embodying the indoctrinated through unified singing and performance, successfully navigating varying dynamics and projections.
Petitgirard’s music intertwines formal clarity with cinematic flourishes, reflecting his experience in composing for film. Leading the performance himself, he demonstrates an intimate understanding of his work, sometimes literally illustrating this with his eyes closed. The Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice, positioned behind the stage, delivers a passionate, rhythmic, and intense performance that enriches the opera’s sonorities.
As the audience responds with crescendoing applause, they engage in profound reflection, intertwined with emotional responses to this harrowing tale of manipulation and despair.
This article draws inspiration from “Un ‘Guru’ d’Opéra à La Cuisine de Nice,” written by Alexandre Valette.
