Thaïs
Opera by J. Massenet.
PromFest’s opera production in 2009 with prizewinners of the Klaudia Taev Competition (2007) in leading roles.
The PromFest’s fourth production – the masterpiece of French opera music – was played 4 times: 22nd, 24th, 30th of May, and 1st of June 2009 in Endla Theatre in Pärnu, and on the 28th of May in Russian Theatre in Tallinn.
It was an original staging by Mai Murdmaa, the first avant-garde director of Estonian ballet. Musical director was Erki Pehk, stage and costumes were designed by Madis Nurms.
Three prizewinners of the Klaudia Taev Competition for Young Opera Singers in 2007 were in the leading roles – Veronika Dzhioeva (Russia) sung the title role, Ilya Silchukov (Belarus) sung the role of Athanael and Nicias was sung by Oliver Kuusik (Estonia).
Thaïs is an opera in three acts by Jules Massenet based on the novel of the same name by Anatole France. After Manon and Werther, Thaïs is one of Massenet’s most performed operas, but it is not part of the standard operatic repertoire. Its famous entr’acte Méditation is among the most frequently performed concert pieces.
The story concerns a monk, Athanaël, who attempts to convert Thaïs, a courtesan of Alexandria and devotee of Venus, to Christianity, but discovers, too late, that his obsession with her is rooted in lust. Thaïs has been described as bearing a kind of religious eroticism and has spawned many controversial productions. The role of Thaïs is notoriously difficult to sing and is reserved for only the most gifted of performers.
More about the opera you can read HERE
Premiere on May 22nd, 2009 Endla Theatre, Pärnu, Estonia
English 
Estonian