In his first ever opera production in Asia, Italian opera mastermind Stefano Poda has revitalized the seldom-staged tale of poetry, love and betrayal, “Andrea Chenier.”

Having worked on nearly 100 opera productions throughout his illustrious career, Poda has taken his relentless and scrupulous eye for visual and artistic perfection in Umberto Giodano’s masterpiece.

Although the repertoire is often noted as encompassing the essence of verismo opera, “Andrea Chenier” is all too often overlooked by more classic verismos ― Puccini’s “La Boheme” and “Tosca.”

Poda, all hands on deck taking the helm of the Korea National Opera’s 2015 season opener, was not only the opera’s director, but the Renaissance man was also the producer, lighting director as well as the stage and costume designer. 

From the noncluttered, but visually alluring gray-wash stage design, with larger than life clinching fist prop in the center of the stage coupled with the national motto of France ― Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite ― etched into the backdrop of the stage, the entire atmosphere of the theater beautifully ensconces a much needed sorrowful and tumultuous atmosphere, as the opera is loosely based on the love and turbulent career of 18th century French poet Andre Chenier.

The four-act opera follows the countless upheavals of Chenier and his family in the wake of the French Revolution during the reign of King Louis XVI. The writer was considered as one of the forefathers of the Romantic Movement with his sensual and expressive poetry; and although his early works aired on the side of romance and love, the political clashes of the revolution steered him down the path of writing political satires with the desire to express his criticism of his government’s actions. The political luster of his writings eventually landed him in prison, where he was later executed for his crimes against the state at the age of 31.

At a press rehearsal prior to the opening night on Thursday, local leading tenor Park Sung-kyu played the role of Chenier, while soprano Ko Hyun-a brought life to Maddalena ― the poet’s love.

Although Park and Ko did show descent chemistry on stage as unlikely lovers, it was Ko’s stellar performance during the pair’s passionate duet in the second act that propelled the scene and the character’s stories to the next level.

As each act became more increasingly suspenseful than the next, there was no denying the raw emotions bleeding from the escalating political tensions of each scene, all inching closer and closer to the poet’s epic execution.

Although by the fourth and final act, the vocal strength of the leads did begin to fade and at times it became increasingly difficult to hear them over the orchestra ― resulting in a somewhat lackluster, but not at all disappointing finale ― Poda’s rendition of the verismo underdog was inspired.

“Andrea Chenier” will continue to be staged until March 15 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 150,000 won and can be purchased online at interpark.com.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)