Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series launched with an innovative and groundbreaking production that has captivated both classical music and jazz lovers alike. “The Comet/Poppea,” a unique blending of Claudio Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea (1643) and George E. Lewis’ The Comet, made its debut to critical acclaim. Directed by Yuval Sharon, this production offers an unconventional and thought-provoking experience that bridges two entirely different eras—ancient Rome and the Jazz Age of New York.
An Innovative Concept: Merging Two Worlds
At the heart of “The Comet/Poppea” is a daring vision that combines two distinct musical traditions: the Baroque opera L’incoronazione di Poppea and the modern, avant-garde jazz of George E. Lewis. While these two musical styles may seem worlds apart, director Yuval Sharon weaves them together in a way that highlights their shared thematic concerns, particularly around ambition, power, and moral corruption.
Monteverdi’s opera, originally written in 1643, tells the tragic story of Poppea, the ambitious mistress of the Roman Emperor Nero, and the political machinations that surround their relationship. In contrast, The Comet by Lewis, written in the 21st century, incorporates improvisation and jazz elements to explore themes of cosmic destruction and existential uncertainty. Sharon’s audacious decision to place these two works side by side provides a fresh perspective on both, blending the centuries-old story of Poppea with the raw, rebellious energy of jazz.
By pairing these works together, “The Comet/Poppea” creates a space for reflection on the cyclical nature of history. Just as the corruption of Roman politics mirrors the moral ambiguity of the Jazz Age, the production invites the audience to consider how power and desire for domination transcend time.
A Visually Stunning Experience: Art Deco Meets Ancient Rome
The set design in “The Comet/Poppea” plays a crucial role in emphasizing the production’s thematic fusion. At first glance, the set appears to juxtapose two entirely different worlds. On one side, there is the Roman bathhouse, where the operatic action of Poppea takes place. This space is filled with marble columns, statues, and the grandeur associated with ancient Rome. On the other side, there is an Art Deco-inspired eatery that evokes the sleek, jazz-infused world of 1920s New York.
This striking contrast between the ancient and the modern reflects the blending of genres and time periods within the performance. It highlights the shared decadence and moral decay of both eras. In the Roman world, the political elite’s indulgence in excess mirrors the hedonistic pleasures of the Jazz Age, a period known for its opulence, excess, and social upheaval. The stage becomes a place where time collapses, and the audience is invited to see the past and the present as intertwined.
The set design also offers a visual commentary on the story’s themes. The Roman bath, with its luxurious and sensual connotations, is a perfect setting for Poppea’s rise to power, a rise fueled by manipulation and seduction. Meanwhile, the Art Deco restaurant hints at the moral ambiguity of the Jazz Age, a time when the pursuit of pleasure and wealth often led to ethical compromises. Together, these contrasting spaces enhance the production’s exploration of ambition and the human desire to dominate, regardless of the era.
The Musical Fusion: Baroque Opera Meets Jazz
The musical fusion of L’incoronazione di Poppea and The Comet is the heart of the production. While Monteverdi’s opera is a Baroque masterpiece, filled with intricate vocal harmonies and rich orchestrations, The Comet by George E. Lewis brings an entirely different sensibility to the stage. Lewis is known for his avant-garde approach to jazz, incorporating improvisation, unconventional rhythms, and a deep exploration of dissonance. The juxtaposition of these two musical worlds creates an entirely new soundscape, one that mirrors the thematic complexity of the story.
In The Comet/Poppea, the Baroque opera’s lush, melodic lines are interwoven with the intense, unpredictable nature of jazz. The two styles complement each other, with jazz providing a sense of tension and urgency that contrasts with the more structured and ornate qualities of the opera. The improvisational nature of jazz enhances the unpredictability of the plot, emphasizing the chaos and intrigue that drive the narrative.
The fusion of Monteverdi’s classical opera with Lewis’ modern jazz reflects the emotional intensity that both forms of music can evoke. The characters’ desires and struggles are mirrored in the music, which shifts between lyrical beauty and explosive dissonance. This musical blending not only brings new life to the ancient story of Poppea but also underscores the timeless nature of the themes it explores: love, ambition, and the quest for power.
Thematic Connections: Power, Corruption, and Desire
At its core, “The Comet/Poppea” is a reflection on the pursuit of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition. In L’incoronazione di Poppea, the title character’s rise to power is fueled by manipulation, betrayal, and seduction. Poppea’s ambition to become the empress of Rome drives her to exploit those around her, including Nero, her lover and the emperor, who is equally corrupt. This destructive pursuit of power and self-interest mirrors the dynamics of the Jazz Age, where societal norms were often bent or broken in the name of indulgence and excess.
The production highlights these parallels through both the set design and the music. The juxtaposition of the Roman bath and the Art Deco restaurant speaks to the idea that the corruption of power and wealth transcends time, while the fusion of Baroque and jazz music underscores the emotional intensity that these themes evoke. By blending these two works, “The Comet/Poppea” encourages the audience to reflect on the ways in which the human desire for power and pleasure remains constant, regardless of historical context.
A New Perspective on History and Power
“The Comet/Poppea” is more than just a fusion of opera and jazz—it is a commentary on the cyclical nature of history. By drawing parallels between ancient Rome and Jazz Age New York, the production suggests that the pursuit of power, wealth, and pleasure is a constant throughout time. It serves as a reminder that these ambitions can lead to both personal and societal destruction, as seen in the story of Poppea and Nero, and echoed in the spirit of the Jazz Age.
The production’s bold combination of genres, set design, and musical styles creates a visually and intellectually stimulating experience. It challenges audiences to reconsider how history and art can inform each other, offering a new lens through which to view both the past and the present.
“The Comet/Poppea” is a stunning achievement in contemporary theater, proving that the fusion of seemingly disparate elements can result in a deeply resonant and thought-provoking performance. For those looking for a unique and powerful theatrical experience, this production offers a memorable journey through time, music, and human ambition.
