La Traviata

http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/opera-projects-presents-la-traviata-the-independent-theatre/ This dynamic, passionate production is a somewhat abridged, striking version of the ever popular Verdi opera that tells the tragic love story of Violetta and Alfredo. LA TRAVIATA is the first production by Opera Projects for 2016. In this version it is all seen through the eyes of Count Germont’s grandson, who acts as the narrator and frames the story as he discovers his grandfather’s diary and regrets how he wrecked the happiness of his son Alfredo and Violetta. The very handsome Tama Matheson plays the narrator, he is also the show’s director, unearths the diary and reads it to us, thus setting the scene and telling the story. The diary is read to us in English, the opera sung in Italian. Matheson sometimes struggles to be heard over the orchestra – especially in the opening section – nevertheless he is very impressive. This version is minimally staged. Effective use is made of the tiny stage and the two small sets of stairs each side , and there is a Van Gogh like table and chair for the narrator. The costumes are a little contemporary yet also reminiscent of the 1870’s, the time in which the opera is set. The production featured a very good lighting design which added a lot of atmosphere to the performance. There was fine ensemble work from the chorus. A highlight of their work was when they exuberantly burst into the audience with the Bacchanal Chorus in Act 2. The smallish orchestra, with a large string section, under the elegant baton of Bradley Gilchrist, gave an inspired rendition of Verdi’s sweeping , romantic score . Matheson and Gilchrist are blessed with an exceptional Violetta – this is her show. Catherine Bouchier is sensational, singing and acting her heart out. In Act 1 she wears a lovely off-the-shoulder turquoise gown and with her long blonde hair she looks like a mermaid or a storybook princess perhaps. She is at first dazzled and puzzled by her attraction to Alfredo, (È strano! … Ah, fors’è lui) but still wants her freedom (Sempre libera) then becomes strong and determined in her love for him. Her acceptance of the Count’s demands to give him up (Dite alla giovine, sì bella e pura) is heartrending. In this version she is ill from the start and goes on to die tragically but ecstatically in Alfredo’s arms. Our Alfredo, Simon Kim, sang magnificently . At first he seemed quite reserved but he thawed and soared (Un di ,felice , eterea). The duets were terrifically sung (Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo). The famous brindisi Libiamo ne’ lieti calici had us all surreptitiously humming along. As Count Germont, Alfredo’s father, the legendary John Bolton Wood was magnificent and in splendid voice. He was bald, portly and full of commanding authority like a sinister politician. His arias such as Pura siccome un angelo Iddio mi diè una figlia were memorably delivered, his Di Provenza il mar, il suol chi dal cor ti cancellò? brought the house down. The show ended, there was a moment’s silence, and then came thunderous applause, combined with cheers and screams of Bravo. Running time- 2 hours and 30 minutes including one interval. This was a great start to their 2016 season for Opera Projects. LA TRAVIATA was performed at the the Independent Theatre North Sydney on the 29th and 31st January. Next up for Opera Projects will be Madame Butterfly and Peirrot Lunaire in March.