The highly anticipated World Premiere of the monodrama ALMA—a new work by composer Lyubomir Denev Sr., with a libretto by Gergan Tsenov and directed by Vera Nemirova - will take place on the stage of Ruse Opera, starring the remarkable German singer and actress MARIA HELGATH.
Here is what Maria Helgath shares about embodying the role of Alma Mahler:
How did it happen that you found yourself in the role of Alma, the wife of the great composer Mahler, on the stage of Ruse?
I received a call in January from a mutual friend of mine and Vera Nemirova, who is the chief dramaturge of the Rostock Opera. He asked me if I could imagine learning a new opera by Lyubomir Denev about Alma Mahler within three weeks and performing it at the State Opera Ruse under the direction of Vera Nemirova… Hmm… Yes! Of course! I quickly arranged for substitutes for performances I had already scheduled in Germany, and here I am—in this wonderful opera house, in this beautiful country, singing this magnificent music!
What were the challenges for you in portraying the controversial character of this talented and undoubtedly complex woman?
It was truly fascinating to immerse myself in the life and character of the dazzling Alma Mahler. In fact, I didn’t know much about her, apart from the fact that she was a composer herself and was married to Gustav Mahler. But of course, there was so much more. Alma Mahler was a woman who spent her life searching for means of expression and intense experiences. She was extreme in some ways, perhaps a little capricious, but also incredibly determined and expressive in everything she did. That’s remarkable, considering she was only the wife of great artists—especially since Mahler "forbade" her to compose. Yet, she wielded influence, both over her husbands and in society. The fact that she struggled with alcoholism and led a rather libertine lifestyle is only briefly mentioned, but it certainly fits her persona. The contradiction of being married to Jewish men while holding strong antisemitic beliefs also adds to the complexity of her character. I know this sounds provocative, but perhaps that is the essence of the challenges I faced in bringing this figure to life.
Do you believe in psychology’s interpretations of our lives, and do you think people today can change their destiny by understanding and transforming themselves?
Yes, I am convinced that everyone holds their own life in their hands and can decide what beliefs to adopt. I believe that thoughts are choices—they become words, and words become actions, regardless of character or life circumstances. Perhaps this is the privileged perspective of a 21st-century European woman, but I am convinced that psychology and our own perceptions and actions shape both our lives and society.
What resonates most powerfully with you in Alma's story?
The fact that she was always seeking ways to express herself. Sure, I find some things disturbing or annoying, but the courage to express oneself, and in some ways to carve out one's own path despite obstacles, is truly captivating.
You are an exceptional singer, quite multifunctional and well-prepared. Still, was there anything in this monodrama that particularly challenged you?
Ha-ha!!! It was quite a challenge to learn an hour and a half of modern music and that huge amount of text in such a short time. But - the challenge was accepted!
And I had to ask Lyubo Denev to compose a passage that clearly was written for soprano and was just too high for me as a mezzo-soprano - it’s incredible to work with a living composer! Yes, the music is a challenge to sing because it has so many aspects and colors, but I have an incredible time embracing this challenge and portraying the character of Alma with my voice and acting. If it were easier, it wouldn’t be fair to this woman!
Why should the audience watch this performance, and how would you invite and motivate them?
We – Vera Nemirova, Lyubo Denev, Youlian Tabakov, the musicians, I, and the entire unique team – have created an evening of modern musical theater that celebrates a woman who was truly captivating. It spans the spectrum from the influential artists of Alma Mahler's time to the art created today. I think it’s wonderful for the audience to witness the writing of musical history right now, as this monodrama will have its World Premiere. And besides, the evening is simply fantastic!
So come! We look forward to seeing you!
Interview - Diana Dimitrova
Tickets are sold out for the March 18 opening night!
Tickets for March 19 - HERE and at the "OPERA" box office.
