A scene from the opera

HA NOI (VNS)  — Ha Noi Cinematheque will host a screening of the well-known opera The Nightingale and Other Short Fables today in the presence of Canadian director Robert Lepage.

Known as one of Canada's most honoured theatre artists and brilliant theatre directors of his age, Lepage made a grand entrance in the opera world when he staged the successful double bill Bluebeard's Castle and Erwartung (1993).

Among his recent achievements in opera are The Nightingale and Other Short Fables (2009), the staging of which takes some inspiration from Viet Nam water puppetry.

Accordingly, the central design concept may come as a surprise: a water basin is placed in the orchestra pit. Puppeteers, singers and soloists handle the characters, symbolised by the various puppets. The choir will be around the pool and the orchestra will play on stage, behind the pool, while the conductor will be located stage left between the performing area and musicians.

Written by Stravinsky based on a tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the opera won France's Claude Rostand Award in 2011.

The screening, followed by a discussion with the director, takes place from 3.30pm to 7pm at 22A Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi. — VNS