The allure and annoyance of opera
- Music
- Theatre
An opera about a highly dependent woman who is oppressed and manipulated by a succesful man. That is how you could summarize the opera La Voix Humaine in one sentence. Imke Mol, a master's student in Music Theatre, struggles with this opera: it is beautiful but presents a stereotypical and sometimes outdated image of 'the woman'. For her finals, Imke therefore engages in a conversation with this opera. She explores previous adaptations and how to view this opera through a modern, emancipated lens. She discusses the allure and annoyance of opera, how women are perceived in the modern world, and how you can study Music Theatre without writing, composing, or playing music yourself.
How does one approach an opera like La Voix Humane, in this day and age, as a woman? A work about a woman who calls her ex-lover, in which their relationship turns out to be anything but healthy. “Everything is her fault,” says Imke. “And he’s just this fantastic person. At least, that’s what the character wants you to believe.” At the end of the opera, the main character ends her own life. “Are these the types of stories we want to show? In which women are completely dependent, oppressed or manipulated by a man? I wanted to do something with La Voix Humaine for years. Especially because there are so few major female roles among the classics. But I have now found out that even in this work, the man is ultimately at the centre.” She recognises herself in the timid attitude and insecurities of the main character. “I don’t always see myself reflected in the tough, independent women who ‘must’ be given a stage in this day and age. It’s like a certain type of woman has been created in the battle for emancipation, which in itself is another new box for us to fit in.”
Love-hate relationship with opera
For her graduation, Imke examined various adaptations of La Voix Humaine. “During this course I really discovered opera as a genre. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with it. The singing is technically sound, the acting is dramatic — it’s consistent in that way. It is a precise genre, but because everything is portrayed so dramatically, the dynamics tend to fade a bit."
I don’t always see myself reflected in the tough, independent women who ‘must’ be given a stage in this day and age. It’s like a certain type of woman has been created in the battle for emancipation, which in itself is another new box for us to fit in."
Imke, as a music theatre maker, doesn't compose music herself or play an instrument. This aspect of her work is something she reflects on a lot. Imke: "That was initially quite challenging. But I have also gained confidence from my professors in the idea that you can approach music theatre in different ways. I truly rely on my intuition—why does this resonate with me? Why do I find this beautiful? Later, there may be a theoretical explanation for it, but it is wonderful to approach it this way. I can explore this new world out of pure curiosity, without having to be formally trained in music theatre."
Musical references
Imke will continue being a part of her theatre collective WOLF WOLF. “I remain curious about opera, about musical theatre as a genre, and where all of this will eventually bring me. Over the past two years, my education has given me a stronger opinion on the genre.” The more you learn about something, the more you can form your own opinion. “I feel like using musical references more. Using music that was played during the time of the first performance of a work, for example. Or using musical traditions that are linked to the theme of a performance.”
There are so many facilities available: to record, to put on a performance. It’s a luxury, so make use of it!
Imke advises students who are interested in following the master’s course to keep their own wishes in mind as much as possible. “There are so many possibilities, which is great, but it can also make you feel lost. And there are so many facilities available: to record, to put on a performance. It’s a luxury, so make use of it.”
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