Not letting historical accuracy get in the way of a good story, Canberra Rep Theatre’s newest production tells a tale of jealousy, manipulation, and genius. See a rivalry for the ages in Amadeus at REP Theatre from 28 July to 12 August.
One of the greatest composers of all time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been remembered for his musical genius. By the time of his death at just 35, he had written over 600 works. Prolific, young and undoubtedly talented, it is easy to understand why other composers of the time might have felt threatened by him.
Antonio Salieri, an important player in Italian classical opera, wrote his own works and taught students such as Ludwig van Beethoven. Salieri is the main character of Peter Shaffer’s play, Amadeus, inspired by an opera, that was inspired by a short play which was inspired by the rumour that, in a rage of jealousy, Salieri poisoned Mozart. On stage, Amadeus is his confession.
“He is an old man when we start and then he takes us back in time and tells us the story of when he met Mozart. He instantly disliked Mozart because Mozart was everything he wanted to be,” says Cate Clelland, director and designer.
An exploration of the human psyche, Ms Clelland says the play shows what one could do if they have been all-consumed by jealousy and burning ambition. Wanting to take Mozart down, Salieri manipulates and lies, trying to change public perception of the famed composer.
“Salieri can’t understand why God would choose such a terrible person to be his musical voice. He wants to celebrate and praise God through music. He’s okay at it, he does quite well but he knows he’s not the best,” she says.
In moments of self-realisation, Salieri struggles with his own sense of wickedness and hatred for another man. While there is no firm indication that Mozart was as annoying as Salieri believes in the play, there are hints that he might not be the most likable person, such as his letters to family.
“We can see what sort of person he was, and he was probably very arrogant,” Ms Clelland says. “In the play, that comes across, but we also do see him as a bit of a victim of his own personality and the fictitious version of Salieri.”
The recorded music, which includes some of Mozart’s most beloved pieces, enhances emotion and helps to drive the plot.
Capturing raw human emotion, Ms Clelland says the beautiful writing was enough to make her want to bring the play to the stage. While the wicked tricks are good entertainment, she expects the audience will be talking about the play for the rest of the evening, trying to decide what really happened and what was imagined.
“It interests me to think how much is true and how much isn’t. Certainly, most of the stuff about Mozart is pretty accurate – he was annoying, all sorts of difficult personality problems – but he also was a genius. From the Salieri point of view, we don’t know so much detail about Salieri’s life,” she says.
Witness Amadeus at REP Theatre, Acton, 28 July–12 August; canberrarep.org.au
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