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Gluck’s bloodied temple drama makes Coliseum debut in stark ENO staging
English National Opera has staged Gluck’s *Iphigénie en Tauride* at the Coliseum for the first time, in a production directed by Lyndsey Turner. The opera’s story of a priestess ordered to sacrifice strangers, including her unrecognised brother, is presented in a stark temple setting that emphasises its ritual violence; the review praises the production’s leads and music but questions its choice to use French.
Soutra Gilmour’s autumnal set evokes an autopsy room, with bloodstained aprons and priestesses in rubber gloves, while the final battle is judged unconvincing. Christine Rice, Nick Pritchard and Jacques Imbrailo are singled out for strong performances, with Imbrailo’s Oreste particularly moving; conductor David Bates leads vigorous choruses and a warm-sounding orchestra. The reviewer argues that singing in French, despite ENO’s usual commitment to English and the availability of a singable translation, makes the show more stylised and less direct.
In short
- ENO has staged Gluck’s opera at the Coliseum for the first time.
- The review praises its three leads and orchestral sound.
- Singing in French prompts questions about ENO’s English-language identity.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “Iphigénie en Tauride review – stylised staging of opera of bloodthirsty priestesses and divine intervention”.