Our Faustian bargain

I intend to stage Gounod’s opera “Faust,” based on Goethe. The main characters are Faust, an aging scholar who wishes he had experienced a full life with love; Mephistopheles, who offers up a pure woman as an object of immediate satisfaction (in exchange for a price, of course: Faust’s soul); and Marguerite, the modest, chaste, and devout woman. Faust has little respect for her, only selfish desire, and of course he takes the deal.

Marguerite’s brother Valentin asks young Siebel to look after her. Siebel’s affections for Marguerite are pure, but Mephistopheles’ thumb is on the scales and Faust wins the competition. Later, an abandoned and humiliated Marguerite is cursed by both Valentin and Mephistopheles, and she dies. Deus ex machina, angels hear her prayers, defeat the curses, and carry her soul off to heaven.

In my production, Mephistopheles is sung by Donald Trump. Faust is sung by Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, who have sold their souls for their immediate interests in reelection, power, etc. Marguerite is the United States of America, the victim of the cruel drama. Siebel is sung by Democrats: They have honest desires for Marguerite, but the competition is rigged and they are ineffective. Valentin and Marguerite’s guardian Marthe are sung by the voters of America: They care about Marguerite but are far too passive about their responsibilities and the drama they are witnessing. Opening night is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Can we rid ourselves of Mephistopheles? If we can do so that day, the production will happily be canceled. RICHARD CHAPMAN Little Rock