Vec Makropulos
Composer: Leos Janacek
In this opera, Emilia Marty, formerly Elina Makropulos, searches for a secret alchemic formula. As is explained in the third act, the potion is able to extend one's lifetime by about 300 years. Emilia, singer at the Vienna Opera, already used it: in 1922, when the opera is set, she is 337 years old.
The design concept made use of monumental scale to relate to the larger-than-life story. Act 1 is set in a lawyer's office. The looming figure on the wall is an allusion to the deceased owner of an estate which we come to find out is where Emilia hid the formula years ago.
In this opera, Emilia Marty, formerly Elina Makropulos, searches for a secret alchemic formula. As is explained in the third act, the potion is able to extend one's lifetime by about 300 years. Emilia, singer at the Vienna Opera, already used it: in 1922, when the opera is set, she is 337 years old.
The design concept made use of monumental scale to relate to the larger-than-life story. Act 1 is set in a lawyer's office. The looming figure on the wall is an allusion to the deceased owner of an estate which we come to find out is where Emilia hid the formula years ago.
