Metamorphosis: Titian 2012

Abstract

The recent multi collaboration Metamorphosis, between the National Gallery and the Royal Opera House was shown in London during the Olympics of 2012. The event consisted of an art exhibition, three live performances at the ROH which were filmed and shown on large screens throughout London, and various poetry readings. I would like to discuss this project as demonstrating the notion of empathy elicited by these particular works, themselves responding to three mythological scenes by Titian, and also as exemplifying Gesamtkunstwerk, both in its Wagnerian connotation and also in Artaud's concept of 'Total Theatre'. In discussing this collaboration I will be focussing on the exhibition at the National Gallery and the attendant performances.