Programme Review: Don Giovanni - English National Opera

A series of reviews of theatre programmes

Don Giovanni by Mozart, 2012 Production by the English National Opera at the Coliseum

When purchased:

In the lobby entering the theatre on 17th October

Price:

£5

Pages:

84 of which 40 are production specific and there are no adverts in the production section

Notable adverts:

• Bentley & Skinner Fine Jewels
• Kirker Music Holidays - 'for discerning travellers'
• Two adverts for private schools
• Steinway pianos

Photos:

No production photos, 3 double page photos, 2 single page photos that relate to inspiration/themes of the opera, and a facsimile of a page of Mozart's manuscript.

Content:

• Double page listing principal cast and creatives
• Double page synopsis
• Five page essay on historical context
• Four page essay on Don Juan
• Two page interview with the director and the set designer
• Five page essay on the first staging in Prague
• Cast biographies

Comments

I think the programme notes have been lifted straight from the 2010 production without being read, as there is reference to it being in the same season as Faust (which I think I saw in 2010, so makes sense). Just because something is a revival, doesn't mean you can just be lazy.

The synopsis treats attempts at rape slightly euphemistically, such as describing one rape as Don Giovanni makes love to Donna Anna - Leperello later states something along the lines of 'rape the daughter, and murder the father' (ironically in the 2010 production of which this is a revival, there was outcry at the brutality of the depiction, which appearsto have been toned down). It's a play where the main character is sent to Hell, let's not shy away from his character flaws!

Overall

4 out of 5 - A very good programme even at £5, but would benefit from some production photographs to remind the purchaser of what they had actually seen and some updated information on changes made in the revival.