Credits
Libretto by Modest Tchaikovsky after a novella of the same name by Alexander Pushkin
Musical director and conductor: Dmitri Jurowski
Author of the artistic concept, stage director: Vyacheslav Starodubtsev
Stage designer: Pyotr Okunev
Stage designer: Zhanna Usachyova
Lighting designer: Alexei Tarasov
Choir master: Vyacheclav Podyelsky
Video: Vadim Dulenko
Stage movement: Artur Oschepkov
2 hours 50 minutes
one intermission
Premiered on October 14, 2016
Three cards are in Destiny’s hands, the high stakes game is on. What will result a wrong move in? The Queen of Spades is one of those uncommon works that possess magical power and fascinate with a mystery that cannot be solved. The plot of the Pushkin’s short novel was revealed in a new perspective by virtue of Tchaikovsky’s expressive music full of dramatic tension and vibrant lyricism. Premiere of the opera in director’s version by Vyacheslav Starodubtsev is dedicated to the memory of Vsevolod Meyerhold, whose ideas served as an inspiration for NOVAT’s creators.
Act one
Scene one
In Petersburg, cheerful crowd of people is walking. The poor engineering officer Herman says to his friend Count Tomsky that he loves Liza, the granddaughter of the rich Countess; at this moment he learns about the engagement of Liza and Prince Yeletsky. Count Tomsky tells the story of the Countess's youth and her main secret: she knew the cherished three cards that could win in a row. A thunderstorm starts. Herman decides to fight for Liza: “No, prince, I will not give her to you ... She will be mine, mine, or I will die!..”. The game has begun.
Scene two
On the same night, Herman entered Liza's room. His declaration of love is interrupted by the arrival of the Countess. Herman is scared. He is ready to die if Liza does not return his love. “No, live,” Liza replies.
Act two
Scene three
Masquerade ball in the palace of a rich dignitary. Herman, the old Countess with Liza, Yeletsky, Surin, Chekalinsky, Tomsky are among those invited. Liza secretly gives Herman a note asking for a meeting and the key to the door to the Countess's bedroom, through which he can get into her room. “Now it’s not me, but fate itself wants it that way, and I will know the three cards,” Herman exclaims.
Scene four
On the same night, Herman entered the Countess's bedroom. "So it's decided, I'll deduce the secret from the old woman." The Countess, accompanied by the lamentations of the toadeaters, returns from the ball with the French ambassador. She recalls her turbulent youth... Herman appears. He begs the Countess to tell him the secret of the three cards, even if it is "connected with a terrible sin, with a pernicious bliss, a diabolical state." The Countess is mortally frightened. Without responding to Herman's pleas and threats, she is dying. Herman is almost insane. Liza is in despair: "You didn't need me, but the cards."
Act Three
Scene five
It’s funeral of the Countess. After the memorial service, Herman comes back to the barracks. Terrible visions torment him. Herman distinctly hears the voice of the Countess: “Save Liza, marry her, and three cards will win in a row. Remember: three ... seven ... ace ... ".
Scene six
On the embankment of the Winter Canal, Liza is waiting for Herman. Midnight strikes. Herman, who has come, hardly sees Liza. Herman can no longer resist the impending madness. He pushes Liza away and runs off to the gambling house. Liza throws herself into the river in despair.
Scene seven
Regulars have fun in the gambling house: Tomsky, Yeletsky, Surin, Chekalinsky and other officers. They are surprised to meet Herman, pale, with crazy eyes. Everyone is even more surprised when Herman decides to join the game and put forty thousand at stake. The card of three wins. Herman doubles the offer. Seven also wins. Everyone is amazed. “Why are you getting the hump? Are you scared?” Herman triumphs. Herman places the third card. This time Prince Yeletsky is playing against Herman. Instead of the Ace, the Queen of spades turns out to be in the hands of Herman. He sees the features of the Countess in it: “What do you need? My life? Take it, take it!" Herman dies, asking Liza for forgiveness at the last minute before his death. Every game has its own Joker...