By Trevore Ross
“Non mi scordate.” Translation: “Don’t forget me.” These words sung by Violetta in the final act of La Traviata offer insight into her greatest fear—that her lifestyle on the fringes of society was unacceptable, making her life insignificant and unworthy of being remembered. Have you ever felt something similar?
La Traviata has captivated audiences with its timeless themes of love, tragedy, and societal expectations. However, in many productions, including some I have been involved with, I often found a sense of unfulfillment and missed opportunities to delve into the deeper humanity of the characters. While these productions were musically brilliant and visually stunning, they often fell short in portraying the depth of character and the underlying tragedy that defines La Traviata.
“Violetta’s poignant plea of “don’t forget me” transcends the opera stage and speaks to the universal yearning for recognition and remembrance. ”
Driven by a desire to present this beloved piece from a fresh perspective, I set out to create a production that would resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring the essence of the original. My goal was twofold: make the characters and setting more relatable and infuse the production with relevance to our current social environment.
To achieve this, I made several changes to La Traviata’s traditional staging. First, I transported the story from the 1840s to the 1920s, a period known as the “Roaring Twenties” in the U.S. and the “Années Folles” (or “Crazy Years”) in Paris, where our narrative unfolds. This era was characterized by a sense of freedom of expression, marked by cultural shifts like the rise of Art Deco, the emergence of jazz and cabaret culture, and the liberation of women’s fashion epitomized by Coco Chanel’s little black dress.
By shifting the timeframe, I aimed to create a setting that modern audiences could more readily connect with, shedding the layers of petticoats and formalities of the 19th century for a world of indulgence, self-identification, and artistic revolution. This not only made the environment more relatable but also allowed for a reinterpretation of the characters’ roles within society.
Central to my vision was the reversal of Violetta’s place among her peers. Instead of being viewed as an outcast of society, she is surrounded by a curated group of individuals, each in their own way marginalized or ostracized by societal norms. This ensemble of characters represents a microcosm of the larger societal struggles for recognition and acceptance.
The relevance of this reinterpretation to our current society cannot be overstated. We live in a time when divisions and polarizations are rampant and individuals and communities clamor to be seen, heard, and recognized. Yet, amidst this struggle, we often forget the fundamental principles of humanity: empathy, compassion, and the acknowledgment of each person’s intrinsic worth.
Violetta’s poignant plea of “Don’t forget me” in her final moments transcends the opera stage and speaks to the universal yearning for recognition and remembrance. It serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Through this production, I hope to provoke introspection and dialogue, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own roles in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society. Art has the power to inspire change, and it is my fervent belief that by engaging with timeless works like La Traviata through a contemporary lens, we can all strive to be and do better in our interactions with one another.
Stage director Trevore Ross has called Cincinnati home for the past three years. Having spent time working across the US and Europe, this is his directing debut with Cincinnati Opera.