Three women, one poet, zero functioning relationships—this opera's a hot mess and we're here for it.
Opera in three acts, a prologue and an epilogue, by Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880), with a libretto in French by Jules Barbier (1825-1901), based on a work that Barbier himself and Michel Carré (1821-1872) had written based on stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776-1822). Approximate duration: 2 h 45 min Recommended for those over 15 years old. The young poet Hoffmann, accompanied by Nicklausse, his alter ego and confidant, is in a tavern next to the theatre where Mozart's Don Giovanni is being performed. During the opera's intermission, some diners arrive at the bar who, upon seeing the poet, encourage him to sing and tell them the story of his famous love affairs. Hoffmann finally gives in and shares with them the stories of Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta. They, absorbed in the poet's stories, remain in the tavern, forgetting about the opera performance.
Acting
One soprano plays ALL four love interests—range is insane.
Direction
Cann's staging makes three hours feel like one fever dream.
Production
INBAL's baroque-meets-burlesque aesthetic is gorgeously unhinged.
Director
Benjamín Cann
Jesús León
Hoffman
Letitia Vitelaru
Stella, Olympia, Antonia, Giulietta
Philip Horst
Lindorf, Coppélius, Dr. Miracle, Dapertutto
Cassandra Zoé Velasco
Musa, Nicklausse
Enrique Guzmán
Andrés, Cochenille, Frantz, Pittichinaccio
Rosendo Flores
Crespel, Maitre Luther
Violeta Dávalos
Madre de Antonia
Víctor Hernández
Spalanzani, Schlemil
Rodrigo Urrutia
Hermann, Capitán de los esbirros
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Offenbach died before finishing this—his friends glued together four different manuscripts, so the 'definitive' version doesn't exist.
E.T.A. Hoffmann hated this adaptation; he spent his career mocking romantic obsession, then became opera's poster boy for it. Ironic.
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