Woody Allen To Direct Opera



In one of the stranger stories we've had to relate -- mirabile dictu -- Woody Allen is set to follow in the tradition of his idol Ingmar Bergman, who directed Mozart's Die Zauberflauten. It is a supremely interesting artistic exercise for the film director. From Variety:

"Woody Allen will make his operatic directing debut in September 2008, helming Puccini's lone comedy, 'Gianni Schicchi.' The production will be part of the Puccini 'Il Trittico' tryptich of "Schicchi," 'Il Tabarro' and 'Suor Angelica,' the latter two being directed by William Friedkin.

"Placido Domingo, the Broad general director of the Los Angeles Opera, said he had approached Allen about four years ago. 'I've seduced many a film director into directing opera, starting with John Schlesinger and 'The Tales of Hoffmann' at London's Covent Garden,' Domingo said in a statement. 'I will admit that my pursuit of Woody takes the prize of the longest pursuit.' Allen, too, issued a statement: 'I have no idea what I am doing, but incompetence has never prevented me from plunging in with enthusiasm.'"

"Incompetence, or, for that matter Father-Daughter incest taboos (Exaggerated cough suggesting feigned detachment).