Last year I auditioned for the role of Fremde Fürstin in Rusalka, at a company called Opera Compact.
They had an amazing idea: to perform Rusalka – Dvorák on the edge of the river Maas. It would be shortened and in Dutch, and the production would be in the open air. I had no idea what this adventure would become but I said YES!
Photo by Sanne Linssen
Fremde Fürstin in Rusalka
Production by Opera Compact, 2021
I met the powerhouses behind Opera Compact, Sybrand van der Werf and Fenna Ograjensek. I met my stellar colleagues Kristina Bitenc, Denzil Delaere, Lien Haegeman and Sef Thissen – none of which I knew! – , the fantastic musical team with repetiteur Wilko Jordens, conductor Per-Otto Johansson and assistent director Luuk Bellemakers.
Together we created six shows of Rusalka, where the story of the little mermaid came to life amidst the heavy machinery of the Consortium Grensmaas. You can read more about the production on www.operacompact.nl. What I experienced in Limburg, other than the hospitality, generosity and warmth of all involved, was a deep gratitude for the opportunity to bring music, laughter, drama, rapture and happiness to people’s hearts – or at the very least, to my own.
Photo by Sanne Linssen
Fremde Fürstin in Rusalka
Production by Opera Compact, 2021
