Coming soon – La Traviata – NZ Opera
La Traviata from NZ Opera is due in Auckland 19 – 29 June and Wellington 11 – 19 July.
The directing, design and lighting trio dream team that brought the crystalline production of Madame Butterfly to life last year return for this new production. This time, its clear, focussed, creative attention is lavished upon a mould-breaking version of Verdi’s most performed opera, La traviata, to be staged in Auckland and Wellington.
Talking with the creative team, you’re likely to hear words like ”the show” and “storytelling” as much as operatic terms, because this team is clear about its mission.
“Being a theatre director I am interested in people moving through spaces, and how to bring the story to life for a modern audience,” says Kate Cherry. “As in Madame Butterfly, the music is theatrical, and I find it personally very moving. It takes us to the sublime and divine and is quite extraordinary. It has huge impact, and it’s easily accessible for people who don’t listen to much opera. It’s heart-breaking.”
Photo credit – Darren Williams
A timeless tale of scandal, honour and reckless abandon. Verdi’s heartfelt tale of a beautiful but fragile courtesan forced to give up the man of her dreams is the most performed opera in the world and an irresistible classic.
The title role of Violetta Valéry – the ‘traviata’ or ‘fallen woman’ – is one of the great soprano roles and Australian Lorina Gore combines brilliant vocal ability with a compelling stage presence. Her lover, Alfredo Germont, will be sung by bright young Australian, Samuel Sakker, who will make his NZ Opera début in this production, as will Scottish baritone David Stephenson as Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont.
La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi is a 3-way co-production between New Zealand Opera, The State Opera of South Australia and Opera Queensland. The show will be sung in Italian with English surtitles
Accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington. Featuring the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus
Auckland – ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
19, 21, 25, 27 June 7.30pm; 29 June 2.30pm
Wellington – St James Theatre
11, 17, 19 July 7.30pm; 13 July 2.30pm; 15 July 6pm