South African opera fans in the vicinity of Cinema Nouveau theatres should take note of the last two operas to be screened as part of the 3rd Season of Opera at Cinema Nouveau, namely Hamlet (from 16 April) and Armida (from 28 May). The shows will be on circuit for one week only.
Based on a French adaptation of Shakespeare’s play by Alexandre Dumas and Paul Meurice, Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet is an opera in five acts with a libretto by Michael Carre and Jules Barbier. Celebrated directors Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser make their debut in this the Metropolitan Opera’s (New York) new production of Hamlet. Simon Keenlyside plays the title role and James Morris (recently seen in Simon Boccanegra) stars as Claudius. German soprano Marlis Petersen, who replaces the ailing Natalie Dessay, joins them as the prototype of the femme fragile, Ophelie, whose extended mad scene is one the greatest in all of opera.
Keenlyside says, “There’s a visceral pleasure in singing 19th-century opera. The tessitura is quite high [and] Hamlet is a joy for a modern baritone to sing.’
French maestro Louis Langree, who made his Met directorial debut in 2007, will lead this stellar cast of singers. On working with the Met’s orchestra, Langree expressed his excitement saying they are “the best opera orchestra in the world.’
Having produced and directed more than 70 operas worldwide, directing duo Caurier and Leiser have formed an unusual arrangement in the world of opera. They not only travel and work together, but work with an exclusive production team that includes set designer Christian Fenouillant; costume designer Agostino Cavalca and lighting designer Christophe Forey.
Hamlet has an estimated running time of 3hours and 43 minutes, with two intermissions between the acts.
The last opera for this season is Rossini’s Armida, which stars Renee Fleming. Armida, which opens from 28 May.
Book for these operas at the self-service terminals or box-office; alternatively, call 082 16789 or book online at www.sterkinekor.com.
