Reviews

Verdi's opera seen as superb theatre

11/10/2010

PUBLICATION: Manawatu Standard
REVIEWED BY: Stephen Fisher
WHERE: St James Theatre, Wellington

With the huge forces required for performance, a Verdi opera can be seen as the climax of Romantic musical expression, and this production of Macbeth, produced in association with Opera North, will only enhance this belief. It is indeed a triumph in performance, a spellbinding retelling of Shakespeare's much-loved tale.

Macbeth is one of Verdi's rarely performed masterpieces. Written in his youth, but re-worked much later in his maturity, the score magnificently captures the intense drama of the play.

Here the story has been pared down so that it moves quickly, while at the same time leaving plenty of opportunity for Verdi to explore the motivations of his characters with some of the most splendid arias of the genre.

The NBR New Zealand Opera has cast two outstanding international leads. Michele Kalmuadi as Macbeth and Antonia Cifrone, reprising her performance from the Opera North production, as his wife are magnificent throughout.

Both in magnificent voice and with obvious acting ability they are in complete command of their roles, carrying the opera to its inevitable finale. They are capably supported by Jud Artur (Banquo), and Roman Shulackoff (Macduff), amongst others.

Magnificent chorus work throughout and outstanding playing from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, complete the abundance of musical excellence, prominent throughout the performance.

Conductor Guido Ajmone Marsan brilliantly interprets every expressive detail in the score. The music is full of energy and dramatic subtlety, matching every note with the impressively imaginative settings on stage.

Placing this production vaguely in the 1950s, director Tim Albery has worked hard to ensure that every scene captures the essence of his source material.

His production is indeed stark, but stunning to look at, aided by magnificently moody lighting and muted costuming.

Macbeth is undeniably satisfying theatre and well worth the trip to Wellington this week.

 

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Did you know?

Early opera resembled the atmosphere of a race course - chatting, food, laughter and loud comments were the norm.

During all our opera performances an English translation of the libretto is projected on screens above the stage, so you can easily follow the story.

If you are 25 years old or under you can purchase $25 tickets at the venue box office before any performance.

The world's longest opera is Wagner's The Ring Cycle, lasting over 14 hours plus intervals. That's 18 hours at the theatre.

The world's longest applause lasted for 1 hour and 20 minutes as a standing ovation. The opera: Otello starring Placido Domingo.

On average, an opera will last between 2 and 3 hours, with one interval in a two act show, and two in a three act show. Operettas and musicals tend to be shorter.

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