Lausanne Opera Director Richard Brunel on Staging 'Rigoletto' and 'Cohabiting with the Dead'

Richard Brunel, the director of the Opéra de Lyon, is bringing his vision to Verdi's "Rigoletto" at the Opéra de Lausanne, focusing on the theme of "cohabiting with our dead." This exploration of mortality and memory is a central element in his current production.

Brunel, who trained as an actor and a singer, has a deep understanding of performance. His directorial approach is shaped by his experiences observing the formalism of Bob Wilson in the United States and the intense work of Patrice Chéreau in Aix-en-Provence. He emphasizes the importance of collective effort and the truthful expression of the body on stage.

Beyond "Rigoletto," Brunel continues to engage with diverse repertoire. He is set to direct Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw" at the Opéra de Lausanne next season. In a recent interview, he also shared insights into his personal connection with the orchestra pit, highlighting the integral relationship between the musicians and the stage performance.

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Patrice Chéreau knew how to summon singers to a place of truth.