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Becoming Traviata on DVD

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the staging of a major operatic production, Verdi's masterpiece, "La Traviata," starring world-famous French coloratura soprano Natalie Dessay and directed by the celebrated Jean-Francois Sivadier. Over two months, filmmaker Philippe Beziat follows the production's development from opening rehearsals to glorious realization, with music performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Louis Langrne. Becoming Traviata captures key dramatic and intimate moments as the stage director and his diva invent, and then re-invent their incarnation of Violetta. While the leading cast rehearses in what look like yoga outfits, on a bare stage with minimal props, other pieces of the production are coming together. From set design to the chorus' performance, every element is given close attention. The film transcends the traditional peek at the mise en scene of the modern staging of a classic. Becoming Traviata shines light on a question essential to the performing arts: How does one become a character?