Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress 2007
Robert Lepage's 2007 staging of Stravinsky's *The Rake's Progress* reimagines the 1951 Venetian premiere with a dazzling twist, transplanting Hogarth's cautionary tale of moral decay from 18th-century London to the neon-lit excesses of 1950s Las Vegas.
Director: Robert Lepage
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress (2007) about?
Stravinsky's *The Rake's Progress* tells the cautionary tale of Tom Rakewell, a young man lured by greed and excess who trades his soul for fleeting prosperity. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Las Vegas instead of Hogarth's London, this production blends classical opera with jazz rhythms and mid-century glamour to explore themes of ambition and downfall.
Who directed Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress?
The film was directed by Robert Lepage, a renowned Canadian director and playwright known for his innovative and visually striking productions.
Who stars in Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress?
The production features Andrew Kennedy as Tom Rakewell, supported by Laura Claycomb, William Shimell, Dagmar Pecková, and Julianne Young.
Is Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress (2007) worth watching?
With its unique fusion of opera and jazz, this production offers a fresh and engaging take on Stravinsky's classic. While it may not appeal to casual viewers due to its operatic nature, fans of experimental theater and visually rich performances will find much to admire.
How long is Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress?
The runtime is 171 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes.
About Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress (2007) — A Jazz-Infused Vegas Twist on Stravinsky's Masterpiece
Robert Lepage's 2007 staging of Stravinsky's *The Rake's Progress* reimagines the 1951 Venetian premiere with a dazzling twist, transplanting Hogarth's cautionary tale of moral decay from 18th-century London to the neon-lit excesses of 1950s Las Vegas. The opera's libretto, penned by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman, meets Lepage's avant-garde vision in this cinematic production for La Monnaie De Munt. Jazz-infused arrangements and early television aesthetics collide in a series of opulent, frozen tableaux vivants, where glittering casinos and shadowy backrooms mirror the protagonist's descent into ruin. With its atmospheric fusion of classical music and modern visual storytelling, Lepage's interpretation transforms Stravinsky's masterpiece into a hypnotic, genre-defying spectacle that bridges high art and pop culture.
Under the direction of the visionary Lepage, this production elevates the opera's themes of temptation and consequence into a surreal, Technicolor dreamscape. Andrew Kennedy leads the cast as the doomed Tom Rakewell, surrounded by a powerhouse ensemble including Laura Claycomb, William Shimell, and Dagmar Pecková, whose performances anchor the opera's emotional intensity. The result is a visually arresting and musically rich experience that challenges conventions while honoring Stravinsky's genius.