Hannover State Opera
SATYAGRAHA
At the end of the premiere evening of "Satyagraha" at the Hannover State Opera, the curtain rises not only for the ensemble, but above all for one person: Gandhi actor Shanul Sharma, visibly moved by the music and the moment, kneels to receive the applause. The audience, just as deeply impressed by the seemingly simple but emotionally intense music, enthusiastically celebrates what they have seen, heard and experienced. "Satyagraha" is less a retelling of Gandhi's life than a spiritual oratorio for his idea of nonviolent resistance. It emphasizes the need to approach others through pain and suffering and to draw wisdom from it. Philip Glass's music is the mantra, the medium for conveying this message.
-Patrick Erb, Concerti.de Translated from German]
Among the soloists, the Indian Shanul Sharma deserves special mention. Not only did he have the perfect "physique du rôle" for Gandhi, but his beautiful lyric tenor voice gave the part an almost otherworldly beauty of sound.
-S. Mauß, OpernGlas Magazin [Published & Translated from German]
The role of Gandhi is portrayed by Shanul Sharma with such emotional depth and vocal clarity that he becomes the heart of the entire performance. His interpretation of the spiritual leader is both powerful and gentle, he embodies Gandhi's teachings of non-violent resistance with a dignity that touches deeply, for which he is deservedly celebrated by the audience.
-Dominik Lapp, Kulturfeder.de [Translated from German]
Of the convincing singers, Shanul Sharma stood out as Gandhi, his mysterious charisma culminating in his upward Phrygian scale repeated over twenty times at the end. Thunderous applause.
-Ute Schalz-Laurenze, Neue Musikzeitung [Translated from German]
Shanul Sharma stands out from a great ensemble like Gandhi reincarnate.
-Oper! Magazin
Shanul Sharma gives Gandhi a noble inner stature, concentrated energy and respect for every creature through his voice and acting. Peacefulness becomes an invincible weapon. The cast of the other parts forms an outstanding ensemble performance from a single source. The premiere celebrations seem to be endless.
-Michael Kaminski, Die Deutsche Bühne [Translated from German]
The Indian-Australian tenor Shanul Sharma gives the character of Gandhi great charisma, even when he is only supposed to be "one of the crowd" - the audience immediately identifies him as Gandhi.... The slightly baritone-tinged voice has an almost ethereal timbre that surrounds the character with a mysterious aura.... Philip Glass' music still works, thanks to the impressive lead actor Shanul Sharma.
-Stefan Schmöe, Online Musik Magazin [Translated from German]
Shanul Sharma as Gandhi was the pivot for the production. His stage presence was comfortable, his voice sounded fresh, his legato excellent.
-Daniel Meyer-Dinkgräfe, Seen and Heard International
Gandhi stands out as a character who recurs in all acts. Shanul Sharma sang this role with elegance and a warm, beautiful voice. Vocally and in terms of acting, he formed the centre of the production
-Achim Riehn, GFO Hannover [Translated from German]