The Marseille Opera welcomes “La Veuve Joyeuse”, a feminist from another time

The Marseille Opera presents “La Veuve Joyeuse”, a work between tradition and modernity. Missia Palmieri, a freed widow, refuses to be a male prey, has a series of conquests and lives an unexpected love story with her ex-lover. The operetta can be seen until January 7.

A woman who refuses to let herself be defeated after the death of her late husband, a man who seizes the opportunity to win her back, this is the story of “The Merry Widow”.

The operetta resurfaces from the basement of the Marseille Opera, for five performances, lasting 2 hours 45 minutes, until January 7. Adapted from the 1905 Vaudeville by composer Franz Lehár, this three-act operetta is a production of the Saint-Étienne Opera. The French version features a very modern woman, Missia Palmieri.

Very courted, she frees herself from social conventions, refuses to fall prey to male shenanigans who already want to remarry her. Widow of a rich banker, the fortune of her late husband gives her precisely the privilege of not depending on a man and of being a free, strong and independent woman, who still has a whole life to build, far from moping. Since then, she has been collecting conquests. During a party at the ambassador’s house, Missia sees her true love again. The modest origins of this cheerful widow had prevented this union. Will the former lovers be able to seize this second chance?

A modern look

This work of Austrian origin has been able to embrace French codes. In the direction, Jean-Louis Pichon wants to transcend burlesque to highlight the complexity and sensitivity of the characters, tackling subjects that were once taboo.

“There is a lot of sensuality, a lot of play within this love story and that’s what appealed to me deeply. You don’t often see that in other works.”

Anne-Catherine Gillet,

soprano performer of Missia

A widow, lovers, rich heirs, a whole cocktail to make this opera a show which also combines theater, beautiful costumes and dance. “We have extremely tender moments, notably with the famous waltz of exquisite gold, with very soft sounds. And also moments with great rhythmic and lyrical flights”describes Didier Benetti, conductor.

Waltzes, cancan, polkas and mazurkas: the representation of The Merry Widow offers a colorful French version.

There Merry Widow is almost 120 years old, continues to perpetuate the Viennese tradition during its festivals. The performance can be seen from December 29 to January 7 at the Marseille Opera. Tickets available, from 11 euros.