Exclusive: Mariella Luger writes about her experience as a "super" in Carmen at the Wiener Staatsoper

Mariella Luger is a very young Austrian soprano student, as well as part-time fashion model, who has been performing as “super” in the current run of performances of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Wiener Staatsoper. This was her first time on-stage at the Wiener Staatsoper.

I asked her to write a short report for the blog, about her stage and backstage experience in “Carmen” and she kindly agreed to do it. Here it is the report she wrote, together with some pictures she got with the main artists. Thank you very much, Mariella for your effort, for sharing with us your first experience on stage at the Wiener Staatsoper and for your pictures.

My name is Mariella Luger, I am 19 years old and I live in Vienna, Austria. I am one of the supernumeraries or “supers”, those who are on the stage, playing non-singing roles as part of the crowd, in the current performances of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Wiener Staatsoper.

It is a very beautiful experience being backstage and witness how the performance takes place. The area behind the stage is a labyrinth and at the beginning I was always lost. The employees at the Opera House are all very friendly. There are special people who are responsible for the mask, hair and costumes. I find it exciting to witness how seemingly "ordinary people" go to the opera and then, using costumes and makeup, they are transformed into other people.

On my first day, I met Anna Netrebko during her first pause backstage. I met her alone at the staircase of the opera house and I was able to talk to her shortly. I told her that I am a singer too and that she is marvelous. Then she autographed my music-book and she took a photo with me. Afterwards, she had to sing again on the stage.

I also met Massimo Giordano and Nadia Krasteva backstage while they were limbering up for the performance. I have to say that I’ve become a big fan of all the singers of this production.

As I stood on the stage, I felt very comfortable. I could neither listen to the orchestra, nor see the auditorium very well when I ventured a glance, the headlights blinded me too strongly. On the stage, we all felt as one unit, as in another world. The most fantastic experience for me was standing next to Anna Netrebko while she was singing in the first act.

While I am not standing on stage, I can either wait in the dressing room or eat in the canteen. The first time I was in the canteen, I could not believe my eyes - it was looking like an Inn. Typical Austrian!

Once I went to the autograph session after the performance. Anna Netrebko came out first and gave a lot of autographs, but she could not remain for a long time. The other singers and the conductor remained longer than her, Nadia Krasteva left as the last one the opera.

To me, the production is very gorgeous. The audience also seems to be very enthusiastic. In my opinion, all the singers play their roles convincingly and fit vocally perfectly together. Anna Netrebko understands her role as Micaela and attracts all viewers in her magical spell as soon as she steps on stage. As for me, Massimo Giordano, who got - incomprehensible to me - a bad review by some people, was great. He throws a new light on the role of Don José. Ildebrando D'Arcangelo plays Escamillo very convincingly and his deep voice thrills me. Nadia Krasteva embodies Carmen better than all the other singers from other productions. Her passion for the music is obvious. She has a very strong personality and can speak German perfectly.

I'm looking forward to being back on stage soon. Among other performances, I'll be once again on stage with Ildebrando D'Arcangelo in "Don Giovanni"!

Videoclip

Mariella Luger as “super” at the 4th Act of Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010. ORF 2 Broadcast.

Photos

Mariella Luger dressed as zingara backstage. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Mariella Luger dressed as zingara backstage. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Andris Nelsons and Mariella Luger at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Mariella Luger and Nadia Krasteva at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Mariella Luger and Ildebrando D'Arcangelo at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Mariella Luger and Massimo Giordano at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Mariella Luger and Anna Netrebko at the staircase of the opera house. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 3. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Autographs of Anna Netrebko, Massimo Giordano, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Nadia Krasteva and Andris Nelsons. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger