Classical and Jazz: Preview - ENO’s new production of The Flying Dutchman at the London Coliseum
Pictured Above: James Cresswell as the Dutchman and Aoife Checkland as the young Senta
Published: 3 May, 2012
by SARAH DAWES
In English National Opera’s new production of The Flying Dutchman, Wagner’s romantic masterpiece – directed by Jonathan Kent – the set and the lighting enhance the mood.
What pre-teenage girl has not imagined herself the heroine of a fairy story involving a dark, handsome hero whom she transforms by the power of her love?
The production emphasises this by showing Senta as a young girl reading a bedtime story, presumably the legend of the ship captain who is bound to sail on and on until he meets a woman who will be faithful to him.
The grown-up Senta, sung with rapture by Orla Boyle, remains obsessed by the image of the wandering seaman.
Brilliant lighting effects (designer Mark Henderson) make the sea crash all around, threatening to engulf the audience.
There is a sad contrast between Daland (Senta’s father, Clive Bayley) affectionately putting his little girl to bed, and then later consenting to this daughter being married to a stranger who promises riches in return.
James Cresswell’s Dutchman, for he is the stranger, is the stereotype Byronic hero, complete with attractive red waistcoat, and a voice to match.
It is completely believable, in this production, that Senta should prefer the phantom Dutchman to her long-term suitor, poor Erik, capably sung by Stuart Skelton, with his unflattering security guard uniform and his obsequious manner, despite his passionate protestations of love.
The “Spinning” chorus, where the women wait for the return of the sailors, has been cleverly transformed into a production line for ships in bottles, miniature “Flying Dutchman” ships, complete with red sails.
More irony, plus comic relief, is provided by the licentious and lascivious behaviour of the chorus as they party, trying to tempt the phantom crew to join them.
Poor Senta redeems her man but there is no happy ending.
There are five more performances, but it deserves to run and run.
• The Flying Dutchman, The Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2, May 12, 16, 18, 23 at 7.30pm, and May 5 at 6.30pm. From £26, 0871 911 0200, www.eno.org