Power. Priviledge. Forgiveness. Comedy has always challenged the power
structures of class and gender. The Marriage of Figaro did so from its
first operatic performance three years before the French Revolution in
1786 and Beaumarchais’s once banned play, written a few years
earlier. In this new production, director Lindy Hume and her creative
team will explore the potent politics of this landmark opera and what
it means in a modern context. Composer Mozart and librettist Da Ponte
did not shy away from writing roles for strong female characters who
tested the status quo. In the story, it appears that Count Almaviva
has all the power, but in actual fact the maid Susanna uses her native
wit and intelligence to regain the upper hand, with the help of the
Countess. At the end, it is the Countess who flips the narrative,
demonstrating the power of forgiveness. The story unfolds in a single
day of madness and trickery, with the non-stop action underscored by
the glorious music that has made this opera an enduring favourite for
more than two centuries. The production will be conducted by the
thrilling young Greek musician Zoe Zeniodi, making her New Zealand
Opera debut. The cast features a host of exciting local and
international performers. New Zealanders Joanna Foote and Bianca
Andrew return home from their European careers to perform
professionally with New Zealand Opera for the first time. Mexican
American bass-baritone Richard Ollasaba and US singer John Moore will
be making their debut with the Company. We’re delighted to welcome
back Emma Pearson, Andrew Collis and Kristin Darragh. Freemasons New
Zealand Opera Artist Andrew Grenon will play Don Basilio/Don Curzio.
Joel Amosa returns as Antonio and Freemasons New Zealand Studio Artist
Anna Simmons will play Barbarina. The opera will feature the
Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus in each centre, along with
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington and Christchurch
Symphony Orchestra. Tickets available exclusively as part of
subscription packages until February 2020. Composed by WA Mozart.
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte.
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15/06/2020 Last update