Mar 18

Mar 18 REVIEW: "LA TRAVIATA" IS AN OPERA TOUR-DE-FORCE

Live Nation, Theatre & Arts, Theatre Nation

As the curtain rises and the scene is cast to life, your eyes begin to dart about the stage: two dozen actors waltz and flirt beneath the halo of a chandelier in the most romantic of movements and mis-en-scene. In this opulent setting there is much to see. Take the lovers to the leftmost wrought around one another, or the woman to the right, rising from a bedframe, dressing for the occasion outside. The eye is lost and yet at peace.

So begins the tragedy of La Traviata, chronicling the doomed love of Violetta Valery and Alfredo Germont, a glamorous courtesan and an idealistic aristocrat, whose unquestionable devotion runs afoul of societal pressure.

First performed some hundred and seventy-three years prior, La Traviata is enchanting as ever. For those new to Opera, or for those well acquainted, director Sarah Giles production of La Traviata is a tour-de-force. Rich in music, movement and emotion, Giles direction is a feast for the senses and a sight for sore eyes. As the cast pirouette and parade the stage, Charles Davis’ sets and costumes come to life. Clandestine moments and soiree’s alike burst with energy, whilst gorgeous gowns and smart suits stitch together the scenery. Illuminating it all is Paul Jackson’s perfect lighting. Wine glasses and gowns glitter beneath cherry and cobalt lights, whilst dawn and daylight fall through windows and walkways like wreaths of golden lace.

Through all this technical beauty and artistry, our characters come to life: Jessica Blunt, with a voice heaven-sent, commands the stage as our tragic heroine, Violetta Valery. Responding to her calls, across soirees and doorways, is the phenomenal Paul O’Neill as Alfredo Germont. Thundering above their love is the powerful voice of James Clayton as Giorgio Germont, whose indecent proposal underscores the trials and tribulations to come. As these characters, and an extensive cast of beautiful background actors and actresses, make their way across three acts – conductor Lochlan Brown commands the orchestra to magnificent extents. Symbols crash, strings sing sweetly, and for the entire two-and-a-half-hour runtime, we are blessed with beautiful music, angelic voices, and gorgeous visuals.

A technical masterclass, an emotional masterpiece, La Traviata is a tour-de-force of all the artistry Opera holds. Not for the faint of hearing, nor the short of attention, La Traviata is a gift for those willing and eager to witness a powerful, classic performance. For new converts to the Opera, phantoms, and old fans alike, La Traviata is an accessible, beautiful, and richly crafted performance well worth your time.

Timothee, you were wrong.