In all its splendor and magnificence, the operetta Gräfin Mariza will once again be performed on the stage of the Dohodno Zdanie at 7:00 p.m. on the autumn evening of October 2. State Opera Ruse will present one of Imre Kálmán’s most beloved works, bringing the audience into a musical fairy tale filled with csárdás, passion, and humor.
In the leading role of the charming yet headstrong aristocrat Gräfin Mariza appears Neli Petkova, soloist of the Ruse Opera Theatre.
A little over a year ago, you made your debut on the Ruse stage in the role of Gräfin Mariza in Kálmán’s operetta of the same name, leaving a memorable impression. What does it feel like to step into the shoes of such a fiery woman?
The character of Gräfin Mariza is especially interesting to me because she goes through many transformations. The responsibility of conveying so many emotions through this heroine is truly exciting, as I love performing roles with diverse characters.
This is an operetta that touches the audience’s hearts with its message that it is not money that truly makes us happy. Is there a particular scene or moment in which Neli Petkova feels she has completely merged with her character and even expresses her own outlook on life through the role?
I can say unequivocally that there are several moments in which I fully feel the character, as if I were her myself. One of these moments is right at the very beginning of Gräfin Mariza’s appearance, when she returns to the estate where she grew up. The feeling of returning to the place you once left, the old friends, and the memories - it’s something I think everyone can relate to. Another moment when I completely merge with the character is when she falls in love, particularly during her intimate encounter with Tassilo at the celebration. It’s such a beautiful, delicate, and personal moment, where they gently reveal their feelings to each other in a lovely duet. Yet another moment is when she is deceived into thinking she has fallen into a “trap.” Being lied to deeply hurts her, and the intrigue is eventually uncovered, because, in the end, the truth always has the final word.
Which qualities would you like to “steal” from Gräfin Mariza and make part of your own character and style?
I admire in my character the qualities typical of every strong, charismatic, and self-assured woman. Sometimes I realize that I tend to question many of my own actions, which makes it harder to decide whether I am making the right choice in a given situation.
Can you find a common thread between your role as the Swallow in Puccini’s opera and that of Gräfin Mariza?
I’ve been thinking, and there actually is a common thread between these two very different characters. For both, themes of love, self-esteem, and money are central. Both love passionately and genuinely. And in most cases, money ruins love and destroys the lives of those who are obsessed with it. As for self-esteem - those who are truly confident shouldn’t assert dominance over others, but rise above it all.
Were there any vocal challenges for you in portraying this singing role?
Interestingly, this role gives me so much joy while performing it that I haven’t even found a musical moment that would challenge me vocally. I feel completely devoted and very at ease in the character of Gräfin Mariza. This also greatly depends on the overall approach and professionalism of my colleagues, without which we wouldn’t be able to create this beautiful art together.
Operettas always end with a “happy ending,” unlike operas. In life, would you say you are more of an optimist or more of a realist?
Those who know me would probably say it better than I can. But I always feel optimism in my soul, no matter the circumstances. I believe that thoughts directed toward the positive and the good attract the corresponding outcomes.
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Interview by Diana Dimitrova
Photo: Archive of State Opera Ruse
