In her recent interpretation of Puccini’s La bohème at Vienna’s Kammeroper, Lotte de Beer proved that it is possible to remain true to score, libretto, and logic while casting a fresh - and indeed original - light on a familiar work.

Now she has rather deftly considered social and historic factors surrounding Bizet’s exotic Les pêcheurs de perles and filtered them through a 21st century viewfinder to successfully transport the rather naively incredible tale and place it within the framework of one of today’s TV fads, here labelled “Perlenfischer -The Challenge”.

This jungle show concept nicely accommodates the plot, placed within an opulently realistic setting (Marouscha Levy), filled with detail, and backed by an enormous globe which fills the rear stage with pigeon hole housing for the show’s spectators (Arnold Schooner Chor) - in all imaginable variations, and with minute attention to the action. Costumes (Jorine van Beek), lighting (Alex Brok) and video effects (Finn Ross) all underscore the concept harmoniously.

The ORF Orchestra was in fine form under the enthusiastic - and equally sensitive - baton of Jean-Christophe Spinosi.

On a somewhat negative note, the cast line-up was rather uneven and less-than-ideal considering the production’s potential. 

As Nadir, Dmitry Korchak demonstrated that he can produce sufficient volume to fill the house, and that he can tailor his dynamics (albeit by the skin of his teeth), where appropriate. However, a somewhat tired vibrato (and corresponding intonation issues), married to a rather charmless timbre and stage portrayal left one feeling a little short-changed.

Nathan Gunn’s Zurga, sounded vocally distressed in many of the part's lyrical passages, but his portrayal was energetic and particularly effective in his dramatic Act 3 scene with Leila. Indeed, he ultimately wins the prize for creating the most sympathetic figure of the evening. 

Leila (Diana Damrau) is set here as a gushingly naive and rather frenetic “camp participant” whose character blossoms (or is exposed) as the plot develops. The passionate, unflinching moments of Act 2 and 3 are her forte, where she is absolutely convincing - if not necessarily moving - in a demonstration of vocal acumen which matches her impressive physical dexterity and abandonment.  

Nicolas Testé rounds off the cast with a nicely vain TV presenter (Nourabad), to couple his solid reading of the role’s rather limited vocal opportunities.