Eva Littauer
Danish
Summary
playwright school of Denmark in 1993; four years later she emerged as the most talented of
the crop, possibly because of her musicality, which showed itself in both her rhythmic dialogue
and tight compositions. Since then she has steadily written plays for the stage, but in 2008 she
found a path back to her origins as an artistic person; the music; when Den Jyske Opera (The
Danish National Opera) commissioned her to write a libretto for the company.
On the opening night of "Snow White’s Mirror”, a modern, adult version of the well-known
fairytale, she was celebrated by artistic director Giordano Bellincampo as a fully-fledged
newcomer to the opera, a natural librettist, and reviewers in the national newspapers happily
agreed.
Biography
Librettist and playwright
With a background in music Eva Littauer was enrolled at the then brand new national playwright school of Denmark in 1993; four years later she emerged as the most talented of the crop, possibly because of her musicality, which showed itself in both her rhythmic dialogue and tight compositions. Since then she has steadily written plays for the stage, but in 2008 she found a path back to her origins as an artistic person; the music; when Den Jyske Opera (The Danish National Opera)commissioned her to write a libretto for the company.
On the opening night of "Snow White’s Mirror”, a modern, adult version of the well-known fairytale,she was celebrated by artistic director Giordano Bellincampi as a fully-fledged newcomer to the opera, a natural librettist, and reviewers in the national newspapers happily agreed. The same night, a competing Danish opera house, Fyns Opera, did not hesitate and commissioned a new opera from her, based on what they had just witnessed on the stage of the Jyske Opera, which will be a modern take on "Dr. Jekyll and Mr.Hyde”, titled "Dr. Jekyll’s Lawyer”, set for premiere in 2014.
What might seem surprising to many: the sudden appearance of an expert librettist out of nowhere; was less so, for people who had followed Eva Littauer’s work.The type of material she applies herself to has a mythical character, even when mundane on the surface. Her ability to cut directly to the fundamental root of a drama, to the strongest emotions, the deepest fears and most desperate love,resulting in characters often larger-than-life, while still being rooted in the circumstance of life; the struggle. Her sensibility for both comedy and tragedy, and the ease with which she blends, letting them undercut each other in a relentless rhythm, makes her the natural librettist, she so obviously is.
Add to this her craving of the teamwork behind any successful theatrical production. Eva Littauer is no shy violet, hidden away in her chamber plucking away at her poetry, best sheltered from the trials of the real world. No, the encounter, the meeting, conflict and exchange with other talented artists, is at the heart of her art. Let no stone be unturned, be sure to get to the truth of the matter – she never spares herself. Loyal to the team, dedicated to the task, she is in many ways an ideal partner in the high stakes game of modern opera. There’s no doubt Eva Littauer is an exciting prospect for any company or composer, who is serious about creating new contemporary opera. Everything else aside, she delivers precise words that let the music unfold, and delivers on time – no excuses. Only three companies commission new operas in Denmark, and they will not be able to keep her for themselves. The question remaining is only how and when she will be presented on an international stage.
By T.C. Jakobsen, dramaturge, playwright.
"Eva Littauer wrote a great libretto for our latest full scale opera production,"Snehvides Spejl" in Aarhus, Denmark, 2011, and I have only wonderful things to say about her professionalism, talent and understanding of musical drama.”
Giordano Bellincampi