The first time I read that it was common for early 19th century opera audiences to scream and throw things at the performers when they were displeased, I both winced and laughed at the same time (my favorite kind of laughter).
The Barber of Seville's debut was no exception. The audience insulted the performers throughout and there were several accidents. Rossini's rival had also sent a mob to foment the audience's displeasure. Basically, everything that could wrong did. How could a period comedy retelling this beautiful fiasco not appeal?
It's probably no surprise that AMADEUS is one of my favorite films. I love period films that go all out on the costumes and settings. I can easily see in my mind the sumptuous scenes and madcap mayhem of this long overdue Rossini biopic.
And there are so many themes to explore. First, that it was customary to vocally share your disapproval in a theater. Could you imagine if that were a custom now in movie theaters? I've only experienced an audience yelling in anger at a movie screen twice in my entire life––once in Buenos Aires just after the fall of the dictatorship in 1983 during the film THE NIGHT OF THE PENCILS, and the other during Darren Aronofsky's 2017 film, MOTHER! (anyone who saw this film and understands the significance of cultural markers, how they can serve as beacons or forewarnings, is less surprised by the events of 2020).
Obviously, open hostility toward works of art or entertainment is no longer a common thing, so to explore this in regards to The Barber of Seville could be notably rewarding. There are so many themes to explore here.
Themes:
- The public's never-ending love/hate relationship with its entertainers/celebrities
- The opulence of the Romantic era in 19th century Italy in contrast to the widespread poverty and filth experienced by most Italians at the time, both would be portrayed as realistically as possible
- Works of art that are initially rejected and then later beloved
My own casting recommendation for Rossini:
