Liina Keevallik "Traviata is not dead"

ARS Project Space 21.11.–2.12.2025

Mon–Fri 12–18, Sat 12–16

Exhibition opening on Thursday, November 21st at 17.30

Sound: Ann Reimann

What would be left of "La Traviata" if we took away the Chanel No. 5 fumes, the audience on stilettos, the shiny violin bows, the sporty notes and the spotlight - too bright because even the squinted eyes in the last row need to see every tiny bit of it, for all the money?

Good old music needs refreshing forms. Both image- and sound-wise.

A big and good question has arisen at the moment: is the phenomenon of opera worth investing in? In the context of the drama regarding the possible extension of the National Opera house, an even better question has come up: what does it mean to modernize opera? How can it REALLY relate to contemporary life? The king wearing an Armani suit is not enough.

We need to get rid of the clichés of the opera world - hands rising as the music gets louder, swords swinging in the rythm, an angel sitting on top of a pillar, because beautiful music needs beautiful form... We need to make room for the music. We need to find a way to that little thing that touches us, with or without decibels.

The installation consists of various short forms of opera music performed by opera singers.

Camera: Jüri Muttika

Voices: Karis Trass, Juuli Lill, René Soom, Andres Köster, Raiko Raalik

The stage construction clip: Marto Mägi

Thanks: Estonian Artists' Union, ARS Art City, Estonian Performing Artists' Union, Cultural Endowment, Estonian National Opera, OÜ Varr and Arvo Tammik, Katrin Essenson, SPARTA Sports Club