Production for rent: Les Éclairs

A journey into the New York of the industrial revolution, with the extraordinary destiny of Nikola Tesla, driven by his revolutionary visions of electricity. The writer Jean Echenoz adapts his novel for the stage and Philippe Hersant signs his third opera, for this world premiere commissioned by the Opéra Comique.

“Thinking of the representations of 20th century America, I imagined a show in black and white, like old postcards or the first cinematographic films. This choice, which may seem more radical than it is, allows me to present electricity in a concrete way. It is electrical progress that allows colour to appear: a costume, an element of scenery, an object... The change in perception becomes a tangible sensation for the spectator.

Clément Hervieu-Léger, director

“What appealed to me in this booklet was the great variety of characters and situations. There is a lot going on and everything happens very quickly. […] I wanted to avoid pathos and keep Gregor's energy and creative joy in mind.”

Philippe Hersant, composer

"Les Eclairs releases a stream of poetry at the Opéra Comique. From the liner of hope to the sad disillusionment of a hotel landing, from the birds of the sea to the birds of the cities, the "joyful drama" Les Eclairs has, by its poetry and its unbearable lightness, a - deliciously - bittersweet taste... In three words (which would please Gregor), a superb achievement!”

ConSpirito, 6 novembre 2021, Jany Campello

“A magnificent evening in which one has throughout a feeling of dramatic and above all musical evidence, while questioning our society and its relationship with science.”

Musique classique & Co, 5 novembre 2021, Thierry Vagne 

“Announced by the lapping of the ocean that the Central European immigrant crossed on his way to the United States, Clément Hervieu-Léger's wise show, a member of the Comédie-Française, is anchored in the America of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, which was the America of the scientist, of his rise and his fall: Everything shows it, from Caroline de Vivaise's costumes to Aurélie Maestre's sets (machines, skyscrapers) poetically lit by Bertrand Couderc, in finely chained scenes.”

Diapason, 05 November 2021, Benoît Fauchet

 

Number of Principals: 6 + 7 members of the choir
Chorus / parts (S/A/T/B) : 32 (6/6/6/6) 
Extras : 2

Instrumentation
39
2 [1.2/Pic].2 [1.2/CA].2.2 [1.2/CBn] -3.2.2.1 -0.2.0.1 [Synt] -6.5.4.3.2

Volume of the production
Set and props 3 containers

Other info
Last performed : November 2021, Opéra-Comique
Coproduction : Greek National Opera
Revival in 2023 at Greek National Opera