A Night at the Nice Opera House: Puccini’s Edgar Through the Artistic Lens of a Friend

If you’re traveling to the French Riviera and looking for cultural experiences, the Nice Opera House is a must-see destination. Recently, I attended Puccini’s Edgar, a rarely performed opera, not just for the music but to witness the extraordinary artistry of my friend George Souglides. Known for his minimalist yet evocative set and costume designs, George has worked on major productions across the world, and seeing his vision come to life on the stage in Nice was an unforgettable experience.

The Nice Opera House: A Jewel of Cultural Heritage

The Nice Opera House, located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, is a stunning Belle Époque landmark and a cultural hub for opera lovers. Its opulent yet intimate setting makes every performance feel personal and immersive. On this particular night, Puccini’s Edgar took center stage, with George’s design transforming this lesser-known opera into a powerful experience.

A Minimalist Set That Speaks Volumes

George Souglides’s design for Edgar is striking in its simplicity. It features only a massive gray wall with a doorway, a solitary tree, and a long table with mismatched chairs. The minimalist set creates a symbolic landscape where every detail serves a purpose. The doorway reflects Edgar’s choices and the paths he must take, while the lone tree conveys isolation and growth. The table hints at societal expectations, grounding the story’s universal themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. This minimalist approach shifts the focus to the characters’ emotions, especially Edgar’s inner struggle between two women and two paths in life.

Puccini’s Edgar: Love, Betrayal, and Redemption

Edgar is a tale of conflict and desire. Its protagonist is torn between two women: Fidelia, who is pure and virtuous and embodies true love, and Tigrana, who is seductive and hedonistic and symbolizes profane passion. Edgar’s inner turmoil leads him on a path of betrayal and redemption, ending in tragedy.

Premiering in 1889, Edgar was one of Puccini’s early works and underwent several revisions due to mixed reviews. While Edgar lacks the distinction of Puccini’s later masterpieces like La Bohème, it offers early glimpses of his style, evolving artistry, and exploration of themes defining his later successes, such as the tension between sacred and forbidden love.

Timeless Costumes, Universal Themes

The costume design, also by George, aligns seamlessly with the minimalist set. Characters are dressed in neutral, mid-20th-century styles, enhancing the timelessness of the story.. Fidelia’s purity and Tigrana’s sensuality are subtly reflected in their attire, reinforcing the opera’s central themes without overwhelming the narrative.

George Souglides: A Visionary Designer

Living in Uzès, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know George Souglides, whose career has taken him to some of the most prestigious stages in the world. His past work includes celebrated productions like Carmen at the Greek National Opera, performances at the Salzburg Festival, Bregenz Festival, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Royal Ballet, and Opera di Roma.

Known for his ability to distill complex emotions into minimalist designs, George’s work for Edgar in Nice is another example of his exceptional talent. Seeing George’s artistry on stage reminded me how fortunate I am to live among such accomplished and inspiring friends in France. His work elevates every production he touches, making this night at the Nice Opera House even more memorable.

It’s easy to take for granted how many incredible, accomplished people you have in your life. Attending Puccini’s Edgar at the Nice Opera House was more than a cultural outing—it reminded me of how blessed I am to live in France.