Angelin Preljocaj's 'Atys' Transforms Lully's Opera into a Dark Ballet at Versailles
Angelin Preljocaj's new production of Jean-Baptiste Lully's 'Atys' premiered at the Opéra royal de Versailles from March 19 to March 23, 2022, co-produced with the Grand Théâtre de Genève. The choreographer reimagines the rarely staged 'king's opera' as a death ritual, blending dance and song. Under musical direction of Leonardo García Alarcón, the performance opens with a baroque version of the Ukrainian anthem in support of Ukraine. Scenography by Prune Nourry features a cyclopean stone wall that transforms into roots, culminating in a tree of life made from marine ropes. Costumes by Jeanne Vicérial mix rap hoods with Nō robes. The cast includes Matthew Newlin as Atys, Ana Quintans as Sangaride, and Giuseppina Bridelli as Cybèle. The Cappella Mediterranea ensemble provides a sensual soundscape. Preljocaj's approach contrasts with the 1987 revival by William Christie and Jean-Marie Villégier, turning away from baroque aesthetics toward a universal myth about nature, love, and fate. The production follows recent myth-inspired works at the Opéra royal de Versailles, including 'Like Flesh' and 'Coronis'.
Key facts
- Atys is a tragédie lyrique by Jean-Baptiste Lully with libretto by Philippe Quinault.
- The production ran from March 19 to March 23, 2022, at the Opéra royal de Versailles.
- It is co-produced by the Grand Théâtre de Genève and the Opéra royal de Versailles.
- Leonardo García Alarcón conducted the Cappella Mediterranea ensemble.
- Angelin Preljocaj directed and choreographed, making the entire opera danced.
- Prune Nourry designed the sets, her first scenography, using a cyclopean wall and a rope tree of life.
- Jeanne Vicérial designed costumes, blending rap hoods and Nō robes.
- The performance began with a baroque version of the Ukrainian anthem arranged by García Alarcón.
- Matthew Newlin sang Atys, Ana Quintans sang Sangaride, Giuseppina Bridelli sang Cybèle.
- The original 1676 production at Saint-Germain-en-Laye cost 150,000 livres and featured real jewels.
- Preljocaj's version is a departure from the 1987 revival by William Christie and Jean-Marie Villégier.
- The myth of Atys involves Cybèle, Sangaride, and Célénus, ending in murder and suicide.
Entities
Artists
- Angelin Preljocaj
- Jean-Baptiste Lully
- Philippe Quinault
- Leonardo García Alarcón
- Prune Nourry
- Jeanne Vicérial
- Matthew Newlin
- Ana Quintans
- Giuseppina Bridelli
- William Christie
- Jean-Marie Villégier
- Grégory Batardon
- Vincent Lorca
- Emmanuel Daydé
- Laurent Brunner
- Madame de Sévigné
- Louis XIV
- Sivan Eldar
- Sebastián Durón
- Spinoza
- Molière
- Ovid
Institutions
- Opéra royal de Versailles
- Grand Théâtre de Genève
- Cappella Mediterranea
- artpress
Locations
- Versailles
- France
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- Phrygia
- Turkey
Sources
- artpress —