‘Faust’ plot reimagined

Stage Director Tomer Zvulun reinvented the tragedy and morality in “Faust” when he introduced the opera’s original 1859 production by Charles Gounod to modern times.

Zvulun’s revision of “Faust” gave its final performances this weekend at the Musical Arts Center.

“I think Tomer did an astounding job in making the characters cinematic in a way to where today’s audience, especially the college generation, could really relate to the content,” “Faust” chorus member and junior Ben Smith said.

Like the original, Faust regrets his life decisions and makes a deal with the devil to regain youth. However, in Zvulun’s script, the world reverts to an earlier time, and the audience is taken back to the 1930s, whereas the original play remains in the same time period.

“Faust” was Smith’s third opera at IU, and he said it was his favorite to take part in thus far.

“The moral of ‘Faust’ focuses on the realization of our choice’s consequences,” Smith said. “But it also reflects on choices of our society as a whole, such as in times of war and the potential they carry to have immense impact on individuals.”    

The double-cast opera paired IU doctoral student Jonathon Matthews and
undergraduate student Andrew Lunsford for the role of Faust in the four productions.

Lunsford said he auditioned originally because he felt the role fit his voice, but the character and moral soon became large factors.

“The thing most moving is the sheer tragedy of a sweet innocent girl being seduced to the dark side,” Lunsford said regarding heroine Marguerite.  “It’s a morality tale of good versus evil, and the tragedy, though sad, is beautiful.”

Lunsford said the overall chemistry of the chorus and the orchestra to the story was amazing.

“I feel the production went beautifully,” Lunsford said. “I really hope the audience was able to see that and feel the level of energy we had and enjoy it as much as we did.”

Smith said though the cast members had fun with each other, their main focus was on their character and being involved onstage.

Sophomore Destiny Powers said she came to the opera because a lot of her friends were in the production’s chorus.

“I think the opera really pushed being appreciative of what you have and not throwing yourself to the devil,” Powers said.

For some of the cast, performing in “Faust” offered its lessons.

“I have learned so much from ‘Faust,’” Lunsford said. “But overall I’ve learned to never, ever quit. You’re going to have people tell you that you can’t do something, but you have to find that drive inside yourself and know it’s not going to be easy. You have to fight for what you love, but I’ve seen it’s all worth it.”