De.g Don Giovanni, we’ve seen all the colors. Generally directors have an idea of the thing and do their best to apply it to the work with more or less talent, culture and luck. Luck is essential in theater. Missing one is an unforgivable mistake. All the planets are aligned above this new one Don Giovanni produced by Arcal and created at the Athénée Louis-Jouvet theater. Is the place small? No matter, we’ll keep it simple. Reduced to a minimum, the orchestra occupies three-quarters of the stage. It is beautiful, an orchestra, and it is alive, much more than the irrelevant settings or the sparse and absurd scenography.
In the center, sitting on a stool, Julien Chauvin conducts the Loggia orchestra with his violin, French style. About twenty strings…
How does the Athénée Louis-Jouvet theater enhance the theatrical experience of *Don Giovanni*?
Interview with Julien Chauvin: The Maestro Behind the Latest Interpretation of Don Giovanni
Time.news Editor: Today, we are thrilled to speak with Julien Chauvin, the esteemed conductor and violinist leading the Loggia orchestra in a groundbreaking new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Athénée Louis-Jouvet theater. Julien, thank you for joining us.
Julien Chauvin: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this exciting project.
Editor: This new production of Don Giovanni is described as “reduced to a minimum.” Can you elaborate on this minimalist approach and its significance in contemporary theater?
Chauvin: Absolutely. The decision to adopt a minimalist approach stems from the belief that the music and the performers should take center stage. By reducing elaborate scenic designs and focusing on the orchestra—occupying three-quarters of the stage—we aim to create an intimate atmosphere that allows the audience to engage more deeply with the music and the characters. This simplification can often lead to a more profound emotional connection in operatic performances.
Editor: It sounds like the orchestra plays a pivotal role in this interpretation. What makes the Loggia orchestra’s sound particularly unique in this performance of Don Giovanni?
Chauvin: The Loggia orchestra, with its approximately twenty talented string musicians, brings a distinctively French style to the interpretation. The beauty and vibrancy of a live orchestra are unmatched, and in this setting, it allows for a fluid and dynamic interaction between the music and the action. The orchestra’s presence is alive and palpable, enhancing the narrative far more than sparse or extravagant sets could.
Editor: The environment at the Athénée Louis-Jouvet theater has been discussed as an essential component of this production. How does the venue influence the overall performance?
Chauvin: The Athénée Louis-Jouvet theater, though smaller compared to grand opera houses, fosters a sense of closeness between the performers and the audience. This intimacy allows for more nuanced performances, and the audience can more easily pick up on the emotional subtleties of the characters. In smaller venues, every detail, every note, becomes more significant. It’s an authentic sharing of the experience—a stark contrast to larger spaces where the connection may feel more distant.
Editor: You have mentioned that ‘luck is essential in theater.’ How does this concept play out in the context of producing a classic like Don Giovanni?
Chauvin: Luck indeed plays a role in various aspects—from casting the right singers to gathering a cohesive team that understands the vision. Musical theater relies on a plethora of elements aligning: timing, chemistry, and even unexpected moments that can turn a performance. When producing a classic like Don Giovanni, having those right ‘planets aligned’ can elevate a good performance to something truly memorable and magical.
Editor: For readers who are aspiring conductors or musicians, what practical advice would you offer for approaching classic works in such innovative ways?
Chauvin: My advice would be to remain open-minded and unafraid to experiment. Classical texts, while rooted in tradition, provide a canvas for modern interpretations. Understanding the essence of the work, yet being willing to strip away preconceived notions, allows for unique artistic expression. Always be attentive to the music’s emotional core, and strive to create an atmosphere that allows both performers and audiences to experience the piece in new and exciting ways.
Editor: Thank you, Julien, for sharing your insights on this innovative production of Don Giovanni. We look forward to seeing how it unfolds at the theater!
Chauvin: Thank you! I hope to see many eager theatergoers there, ready to experience the depth of this timeless story together.
