The season opened at Leeds Grand Theatre on Saturday 22 January with a new production of Verdi’s ground-breaking 1851 opera, Rigoletto, in which a father’s quest for vengeance leads inexorably to tragedy.
This production is dramatic, powerful and truly a triumph for the company in every possible way – artistically and technically. Rigoletto is a must-see production for everyone whether they are seasoned opera goers, newly converted to opera or have yet to dip their toe in the water and see live opera.
With this contemporary production which maps identity and inequality onto a contemporary canvas, British-Nigerian theatre artist Femi Elufowoju jr makes his opera directing debut: “I am Black African and much of my work is influenced by my ancestry and culture. There are strong visual resonances of the continent in this production, from ancestry and allegiance to mythology and curses.
“Monterone’s curse is a key driver of the narrative. As someone of Nigerian heritage, I want this moment to resonate in a specific way for the characters whose ethnicity has familiarity with the ‘curse phenomenon’. I want this production to highlight the potency and credibility of that connection. Rigoletto, Gilda, Monterone, Marullo and the Countess Ceprano will be sung by people of colour. These characters would know the power and impact of the curse from the moment Monterone delivers it. On a global level and from time immemorial there have been ramifications for being Black in our world. Our setting is Mantua. Mantua now, Mantua U.K. And though this is a story principally exploring themes of parental love and vengeance; our characters experience life rooted in the politics and culture that has evolved through generations.”
Rigoletto marks the welcome return to Opera North of American baritone Eric Greene, taking the title role following his compelling 2019 performance as Amonasro in Aida. Russian tenor Roman Arndt and American soprano Jasmine Habersham make their Company debuts as the Duke and Gilda, while the acclaimed Jamaican-British bass-baritone Sir Willard White returns to Opera North as Monterone. Opera North’s Music Director Garry Walker conducts.
Following its successful implementation for the autumn season, free tickets will be available for 16 to 20-year-olds for all performances in Leeds. Under 30s can take advantage of the schemes running in every venue to watch a performance for just £10, while newcomers to opera can book up to two tickets for £20 each at Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham through the Company’s popular Try it ON
Picture by Clive Barda.
The post POWERFUL – DRAMATIC AND A STROKE OF BRILLIANCE appeared first on Leeds Guide.
