Audiences in South Africa can experience a “live’ opera production of La Traviata on the big screen at Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor theatres from 4 May. La Traviata marks the final production of the fifth season of the Met Opera in New York screened at Ster- Kinekor theatres.
Verdi’s beautifully haunting La Traviata has been performed on stages across the world including Salzburg, Amsterdam and New York. The heart-breaking story follows Violetta, a courtesan plagued by an impending death. She falls in love with Alfredo and moves to the country with him, only to be forced into leaving him by threatening circumstances. Her reasons for leaving are unknown to Alfredo who vows revenge on Violetta’s betrayal. But Violetta cannot reveal to him why she has left as death continues to chase her, her time running out.
Conducted by Met conductor Fabio Luisi, this performance is aesthetically magnificent with set and costume design by Wolfgang Gussman. Natalie Dessay takes Violetta’s star role as the leading soprano while Matthew Polenzani plays the honest and passionate Alfredo. Dmitri Hvorostovsky stars as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father who convinces Violetta to abandon his son.
Symbolism is weaved into La Traviata as the performers fight a battle against time, enhanced by choreography by Athol Farmer and lighting by Hans Toelstede. Hosted by Deborah Voigt, this Live in HD performance also sees associate costume designer Susan Mendoza’s touches.
The next Opera Season at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor Theatres is scheduled to commence in November 2012.
La Traviata will be released at the following sites:
Cinema Nouveau – Gateway
Cinema Nouveau – Cavendish
Cinema Nouveau – V&A
Cinema Nouveau – Rosebank
Cinema Nouveau – Brooklyn
Ster-Kinekor – Irene Mall
Ster-Kinekor – Shelly Beach
Ster-Kinekor – The Bridge
Ster-Kinekor – Garden Route Mall
Ster-Kinekor – Somerset
Ster-Kinekor – Bedford centre
For more information, visit www.sterkinekor.com or www. sterkinekor.mobi.
