Yvonne, Princesse de Bourgogne, the new opera by Philippe Boesmans, is based on Witold Gombrowicz’s play by the same name. Between tragedy and the grotesque, it is about bourgeois conventions and desire and disgust inspired by difference or abnormality. Mute, colourless and passive, Yvonne is a young woman whom the crown prince Philippe decides to marry for fun in order to silence those who are urging him to tie the knot. Once established at the court, this disconcerting creature has the tremendous capacity to reveal everyone’s inner turmoil and frustrations. They therefore think of nothing but assassinating this strange woman. Luc Bondy has written the libretto and has staged this opera conducted by Patrick Davin, continuing his collaboration with the Belgian composer who brings us a subtle and sparkling score, making reference to the past whilst further asserting the refinement of his style.

Part of

Hommage

Philippe Boesmans

9.9.10 › 29.9.10