Melissa Deininger will present on “André Chénier as Romantic Martyr” with Q&A.
André Chénier became a classic martyr figure for Romanticists, who were inspired both by his poetry and his death at the hands of the French Revolution. Chénier’s work mixes themes of nature and the human condition with political commentary, marking him as a bridge between the Enlightenment ideals that guided the Revolution and the Romantic focus on artistic persecution. Examining Chénier’s poetry against Andrea Chénier shows how the 19th-century opera romanticizes and dramatizes the poet’s life, transforming his ideals and lyrical style into an emotional and political spectacle.
Dr. Melissa Deininger is an Assistant Teaching Professor of International Studies and French at Iowa State University. She joined ISU in 2009, after earning her PhD in French Literature and Politics at the University of Pittsburgh. A specialist of the long 19th century, Dr. Deininger has taught classes in French history, civilization, literature, and politics. Her research interests include the French Revolution, the Marquis de Sade, cultural production, nation and community formation, and the use of architecture in literature. She has published articles ranging from the Revolution to 21st-century politics in France. She has presented both nationally and internationally on these topics, and is always looking for ways to connect the 18th and 19th centuries to our contemporary world.
Related publication: “The French Revolution and Modern Propaganda.” Teaching Representations of the French Revolution, edited by Julia Douthwaite Viglione, Antoinette Sol, Catriona Seth, 2019.
The Met Opera streaming of its performance of "Andre Chenier" can be seen at Sycamore Cinema, Iowa City on Dec. 13 at noon and Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Runtime: 3 hours, 31 minutes
Director: Daniele Rustioni
Starring: Piotr Beczała, Sonya Yoncheva, Igor Golovatenko
Synopsis: Giordano’s passionate tragedy stars tenor Piotr Beczała as the virtuous poet who falls victim to the intrigue and violence of the French Revolution. Following their celebrated recent partnership in Giordano’s Fedora in the 2022–23 Live in HD season, Beczała reunites with soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Chénier’s aristocratic lover, Maddalena di Coigny, with baritone Igor Golovatenko as Carlo Gérard, the agent of the Reign of Terror who seals their fates. Met Principal Guest Conductor Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead Nicolas Joël’s gripping staging, which will be transmitted live from the Met stage.