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In 2019, Russian-Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov teamed up with librettist, poet and writer Bertrand Laverdure to bring to life the favourite novel of his youth: The Man Who Laughs, based on the timeless tale of legendary playwright Victor Hugo. For both men, this is their first foray into opera, and for Ichmouratov, this will be his 75th opus.
Ichmouratov’s love and obsession for the novel began at the age of 16 after his brother had gifted him a copy. “I was immediately captivated by the story of love and betrayal,” said Ichmouratov. Laverdure added: “Working on an unadaptable 800-page novel by Victor Hugo? I said yes without thinking.”
The role of Marc Boucher
Baritone Marc Boucher, founder of Festival Classica and the Nouvel Opéra Métropolitain, who will play Ursus in the upcoming production, knew of Ichmouratov’s interest in The Man Who Laughs and was quick to bring the two men together—and also to support them in realizing this impeccably French operatic work. It will be a full-scale orchestra performance under the direction of Airat Ichmouratov and a star-studded Quebec cast.
A musical brotherhood
Ichmouratov and Laverdure, celebrating this massive musical baptism, are all smiles about their creative relationship during this process, which took place in the midst of the pandemic. The duo worked hard from morning to night—but always with respect, volunteerism and hope.
Laverdure spent an entire year investigating the life of Victor Hugo in order to crystallize the dramatic framework of the 1869 work. The great French writer considered this novel his most Shakespearean and gothic: “If the author of this book is asked why he wrote The Man Who Laughs, he will answer that as philosopher, he wanted to affirm the soul and conscience; that as historian, he wanted to reveal little known monarchical facts and inform democracy; and that, as poet, he wanted to make a drama …”
For Ichmouratov and Laverdure, the hours no longer counted; the clocks had become invisible for the allies who never let themselves be hindered by a question of ego. They were always on the same wavelength throughout this inspiring, dynamic, fervent and fertile adventure. “It was like Christmas every two weeks,” Laverdure said of the creative effort that brought their fierce talents together.
The first libretto was presented in the summer of 2021 and the verdict was very satisfying: 90 per cent of the roles had already been decided among the eight characters through which the duo wished not only to render the essence of the novel to the audience, but also to create for each one a “moment of glory” that would be memorable.
The heart of the work
Ichmouratov and Laverdure looked back to their roots, Ichmouratov listing his eternal devotion to Beethoven, Mahler, Strauss and Puccini, but especially citing Tosca as a fountain from which to drink. Ichmouratov already knows his craft, having created modern pieces such as The Myth of Falcon and romantic ones such as Letter from an Unknown Woman.
As a conductor, in 2011 he worked on the Academic State Opera of Tatarstan and was subsequently invited to conduct Puccini’s Turandot and Verdi’s Rigoletto. These experiences give him a rhythm for staging, arias, sets and climaxes.
Laverdure, for his part, looks at the very interesting lives of the librettists who, despite their efforts, were often forgotten. But with the trio at the helm of The Man Who Laughs, no scholar will forget its librettist if the opera lives up to its promise.
Truth is always shaped in reality. Ichmouratov, who turns 50 this year, remembers his harsh beginnings when he arrived in Canada 25 years ago—including four years of long hours busking on the street. Such experiences bring him closer to the acrobatic musicians of the novel he cherishes so much.
What is certain is that so many connections, symbolism, heart and talent cannot leave spectators unsatisfied. Sometimes all it takes is a partnership that exceeds our expectations to move the art forward. There is no doubt that the bravado of the opera will make us excited to meet Gwynplaine, the disfigured hero abandoned to fight against the aggressiveness of nature, fluttering from the circus to politics after being saved by Ursus and Homo in their trailer. The mutilated child becomes a man with a relationship as deep as it is chaste with the beautiful and blind Déa, and so he sees only the beauty of her soul. Debates, political jealousy and manipulators like Barkilphedro who find the identity of children abandoned to be sold and mutilated. All this poignant gravity can only be notes replacing the beats of our hearts. “Our imaginations are concomitant in order to please the public as much as the specialists,” said Laverdure.
Into the future!
Ichmouratov and Laverdure are not finished collaborating. Boucher has already commissioned a second opera, on Honoré de Balzac, to continue the 19th-century French repertoire.
Ichmouratov, meanwhile, explains two photos: first the phantasmagorical cover (the libretto will be published in May by Dramaturge Éditeurs), and a personalized piece of art showing his face with a long scarred smile in the manner of actor Heath Ledger, who received a posthumous Oscar for his role in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. The composer shares his relationship with fictional characters close to Gwynplaine to help stimulate his creativity, the character of Hugo having indeed served as a basis for the creation of the Joker. It should be noted that the booklet, which will be on sale as soon as the piece is premièred, will also contain additional interviews with the composer and Marc Boucher.
The Man Who Laughs,
Festival Classica, Nouvel Opéra Métropolitain,
May 31 at 7 p.m. at Salle Claude-Champagne.Cast includes Hugo Laporte in the lead role of Gwynplaine, Marc Boucher as Ursus, Jean-François Lapointe as the villain Barkilphedro, Florence Bourget as Duchess Josianne, Antonio Figueroa as Lord David, Sophie Naubert as Fibi, and Magali Simard-Galdès as Déa. Festival Classica Orchestra. Conductor: Airat Ichmouratov
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
