ARTicles vol. 7 i.1: Welcoming Diane Paulus

The A.R.T. company and staff members are thrilled about the appointment of Diane Paulus as our new Artistic Director. Diane will take A.R.T.’s artistic helm this fall, to begin the planning of our 09/10 Season.

A glimpse at Diane’s life over the past several months provides some hints of the energy, creativity, and dynamism that is in store for us here in Cambridge. Diane has been keeping busy with a number of projects both near and far – which hasn’t left much time for house-hunting in Cambridge with her husband and children!

Here are some of the productions she staged this year:

Last April saw the premiere of her production of the Olga Neuwirth opera Lost Highway, based on the David Lynch film, which opened the season of the English National Opera at the Young Vic in London.

The critics lauded her production:
“Director Diane Paulus marshals the stage and video action in a slick production.” —The Sunday Times

“Director Diane Paulus does a stunning job. Her designers turn the Young Vic into a neon-lit installation.” —The London Independent

Mozart’s Don Giovanniat Chicago Opera Theatre with Jane Glover on the podium followed. Her daring production, designed by her frequent collaborator and A.R.T. regular Riccardo Hernandez, set the opera in a sleazy, Vegas-style nightclub. The first video-simulcast in the opera company’s history, Don Giovanniwas broadcast from the Harris Music and Dance Theater to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

The Chicago Sun-Times raved:

“Chicago Opera Theater has scored another triumph with its new production of Don Giovanni…by the company’s superb partnership of conductor Jane Glover and director Diane Paulus.” —Chicago Sun-Times, May 2008

In early June, Diane began work on the Glimmerglass Opera production of Kiss Me Kate, while simultaneously starting rehearsals in New York for the Public Theater’s 40th anniversary production of Hairat the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. She commuted between Cooperstown and New York City for over a month until Kiss Me Kateopened in July to rave reviews, followed by Hairin early August to similar accolades.

Projects already in the works include La Clemenza Di Titoat Chicago Opera Theatre; and Death And The Powers, a new opera by MIT composer Tod Machover and librettist Robert Pinsky, with story by Randy Weiner. The project is being created at the MIT Media Lab, and will receive its world premiere at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo.

We look forward to welcoming Diane, helping her settle here in Cambridge, and supporting her as she programs groundbreaking work in the A.R.T.’s coming seasons. Look for information in our next newsletter about opportunities to meet Diane, and join us in welcoming her to Cambridge

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