Timothée Chalamet: an unintended ambassador for Opera and Ballet
Has ballet and opera truly become obsolete? This is what Timothée Chalamet, one of the hottest actors of the moment starring in “Marty Supreme”, seemed to suggest. In a late February interview with media outlets Variety and CNN, the French-American actor humorously referred to these types of shows as “things” that “nobody has anything to do with anymore”. His comments sparked controversy in the dance and lyrical art world, potentially jeopardizing the 30-year-old star’s chances of winning the Oscar for Best Actor next week. Meanwhile, major global cultural institutions responded playfully on social media.
“Plot twist: ping-pong also exists at the opera Timothée Chalamet,” quipped the Paris Opera on Instagram, posting a video from the production “Nixon in China” showcasing a ping-pong scene inspired by Chalamet’s film “Marty Supreme”.
Faux dinosaure en colère
The Zurich Opera, preparing to present an opera titled “Monster’s Paradise”, created a humorous video featuring an angry fake dinosaur responding to Chalamet’s remarks by scribbling on his photo with mustaches and horns. “Hey Timmy, if you have time, come to Zurich, watch ‘Monster’s Paradise’ and we can settle this on stage,” cheekily wrote the Swiss opera.
On the other hand, the Metropolitan Opera in New York incorporated a quote – “With all due respect to the people in ballet and opera” – into a video showcasing the various roles in these disciplines: musicians, costume designers, set decorators, technicians, etc. “This one’s for you, Timothée Chalamet,” commented the American institution.
Promo code TIMOTHEE
The Seattle Opera, on the other hand, offered a promo code TIMOTHEE to come see “Carmen”. Other global institutions reacted in a similar tone, including the Vienna State Opera, the National Opera of Norway, and the English National Ballet in London.
In France, in addition to the Paris Opera, the Bordeaux Opera responded by inviting the actor to come see the show “Joy” starting from April 22.
In the end, Timothée Chalamet’s offhand remark has become a surprising form of advertising for the operas and ballets currently in performance…
