"Manon" tells scandalous French tale of self-destruction

Photo by KNOXVILLE OPERA

Gran Wilson, left, with soprano Talise Trevigne, who plays the title role in Knoxville Opera’s production of “Manon” Feb. 11 and 13.

KNOXVILLE — The lives of women in early 18th century France were seldom open to public display. So when Antoine Francois Prevost created Manon Lescaut in his 1731 novel "L'Histoire du chavalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut," it created such a scandal in France it was banned upon publication.

The novel, nevertheless, became such a popular under-ground sensation that Manon Lescaut has never been forgotten.

She is the subject of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Manon Lescaut," and turns up again in Alexandre Dumas' 1848 novel "The Lady of the Camellias."

But it is the memorable music of French composer Jules Massenet's 1884 opera "Manon," which the Knoxville Opera will perform at the Tennessee Theatre Friday, Feb. 11, and Sunday afternoon, Feb. 13, that gives rich expression to Manon's jumping from one opportunistic love affair to another as she transforms from childlike innocence to almost complete degradation and self-destruction.

Whether Manon is brainless or completely in control of her actions is open to interpretation.

"I think she knows exactly what she is doing," said soprano Talise Trevigne, who plays the title role, during a break in rehearsals last week. "I think she is very honest in her approach."

But keeping one's understanding of the scope of who Manon is from creeping into one's portrayal of her is no easy task.

Each of the scenes in "Manon" is like its own little opera rather than a continuous development of her character.

"Vocally, each act is very different," Trevigne said. "The tricky thing is staying in each moment in this opera and not thinking ahead. Although, there is a thing about Manon that is always her."

The opera begins with young Manon on her way to join a convent when her cousin, Lescaut, arrives to help her with her luggage. While he is occupied, an old lecher, Guillot, attracts her attention.

But almost immediately, Manon falls for the young and handsome Chevalier des Grieux the moment he shows up. They steal the old lecher's coach and elope together.

Although des Grieux intends to marry her, soon their humble life in Paris loses its appeal. When Lescaut and a nobleman friend, de Bretigny, arrive to rescue her, Manon is captivated by de Bretigny's tales of pleasure and riches.

Things go back and forth, but Manon's fascination with affluence continues to bewitch her.

In time, des Grieux and Manon find each other again and they get caught up in gambling with Guillot and are arrested for cheating.

This fast life, of course, has been devastating to Manon's health and, although des Grieux is soon released from jail, Manon is to be deported as a woman of easy virtue.

Her cousin, Lescaut, tries to save her again. He bribes the prison guards so Manon can have time alone with des Grieux. It's really a disguised plot so Manon can escape.

But she is too weak and succumbs in des Grieux's arms.

"There is a lot of narcissism in this story," Trevigne said.

"There are also consequences to the choices you make."

Harold Duckett is a free-lance contributor to the News Sentinel.

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