English Bach Festival to stage ‘Platee’ in Athens
It’s a story about mortals and gods, a performance featuring singing, dancing, Baroque instruments and costumes. The Athens Concert Hall welcomes a grandiose production tonight and tomorrow at its Alexandra Trianti Hall, as the English Bach Festival stages «Platee,» an opera-ballet by Jean-Philippe Rameau. Originally staged at Versailles in March 1745, »Platee» is considered one of the French composer’s top works. The subject matter of «Platee» comes from ancient Greek mythology and its storyline from Pausanias. The ballet-opera pokes fun at both mortals and immortals, pivoting on the tale of how Platee, or Zeus, managed to sooth his wife Hera’s jealousy. The comedy element of the central character is further enhanced as the role was written for a man dressed as a woman. Participating in the performance are singers, dancers and the English Bach Festival baroque orchestra. The production is directed by Alain Germain, with sets executed by Peter Rice (based on an original 1749 design) and choreography by Christopher Tudor. The English Bach Festival’s baroque orchestra will be conducted by Jean-Claude Malgoire. The English Bach Festival’s principal aim is a revival of 18th century music and rendering the period’s spirit. In 1983, on the occasion of 300 years since the birth of the French composer, the Festival was part of the celebratory events and presented «Platee» in Versailles. Athens Concert Hall, 1 Kokkali & Vas. Sofias, tel 210.728.2333.
