The second Opera which will be performed during the Left Bank Opera Festival is Gustav Holst's 'Savitri' a chamber opera. This is an opera based on a traditional Indian folk story, concerning the relationship between Savitri, her husband, and Death.
Savitri, the wife of the woodman Satyavan, hears the voice of death calling to her. He has come to claim her husband. Satyavan arrives to find his wife in distress, but assures Savitri that her fears are just 'Maya' (an illusion) - "All is unreal, all is Maya"
Even so at the arrival of Death, all strength leave Satyavan and he falls to the ground. Savitri now alone and desolate welcomes Death. The latter moved to compassion by her greeting offers her a boon of anything but the return of Satyavan.
Savitri asks for life in all its fullness. After Death grants her request, she informs him that life is impossible without Satyavan. Death, Defeated leaves her, Satyavan Awakens.
- "Even Death is Maya"
The story comes from an Indian Folk story, giving it a traditional context, and is set up like a small fable.
Savitri is based on Hindu literature. Set in Mahabharata. The Mahabharata, that is, the great Bharata, is one of the two most important ancient epics of India. (Similar style traditional epics include Homer and other writings).
The focus of this is traditional Indian, looking at this theme further I will be able to get a better understanding of the cultural relevance of the play while also getting a better idea of the Opera and how to interpret it visually, alongside the other operas needing promotion.
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