Press

“It was impossible not to be swept away…Naamat’s staging, strong in its narrative clarity, had an understated brilliance.”

“Noa Naamat in her powerful staging opening the new season at Finnish National Opera...Naamat’s very different, very earthy approach strikes me as the most dramatically engaging Aida staging I’ve ever witnessed.”

“Naamat achieves the remarkable feat of demonstrating maximum topicality while remaining true to the work.”

“With international rising star Noa Naamat in charge of stage direction, the drama proceeded at just the right pace, forward-driving and funny without lapsing into zaniness”.

“With this production, Noa Naamat achieves an exemplary plea for understanding, compassion, and mutual respect as the foundation for peace.”

“Naamat emphasizes “relevance” in her approach. She brings the story into the present day, with very vivid character direction.”

“Director Noa Naamat has created a stylish, kinetically expressive production that feels completely in sympathy with the composer’s world.”

“The Darmstadt State Theatre presents a deeply moving Aida...Director Noa Naamat draws unsettling parallels to current conflicts in the Middle East, creating a chilling effect on multiple levels. This production is one of the most gripping in a long time, and the audience in the sold-out house is just as enthusiastic as I am at the end.”

“Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely in Naamat’s fun and frolics!”

“This culminating performance, shot through with the fiery pulse of youth, could not have been more alive…The most visually entertaining Prom of the season.”

“Noa Naamat’s clutter-free production reveals the sparse beauty of Hans Werner Henze’s score…It’s sexy, unsettling stuff, often mesmerising to watch.”

What happened last night at Theater Hagen? After a little time for reflection, I have come to the conclusion that this was the most intense and unsparing staging of Richard Strauss' opera SALOME that I have ever experienced. Director Noa Naamat takes us into a world of decadence, abysses, desire, and sexual abuse.