The Pearl Fishers by Bizet, Thu 24 Jun 2021, From (2021/2021), Conductor Stefan Neubert, Saarländisches Staatstheater, Saarbrücken, Germany

In 1863 Georges Bizet staged his »Les pêcheurs de perles«. The actual story of his pearl fishermen is quickly told: the two friends Zurga and Nagir meet again after many years in the pearl workers' camp. In fact, Zurga has just been elected their leader. Their friendship is soon put to the test when they fall in love with Leïla. What is heavier now? The law of revenge or the law of love? Against the background of these descriptions, one could almost think that Bizet's opera would be a stereotypical love story, a love triangle rich in conflict but even richer in reconciliation. But far from it. In 2020, Bizet's work doesn't just read like an amorous delicacy. It raises questions, shows the downsides in paradise, inhuman working conditions and the unscrupulousness and ruthless exploitation of the environment and people. Bizet is more than just »Carmen«, the »Pearl Fishermen« are more than just loving divers in paradise.