Opera Queensland presents a sumptuous, surprising production of classic La Traviata
Sarah Giles offers a rare glimpse behind the glamour of one of history’s most-loved operas.
From opulence to despair, Opera Queensland presents a thrilling new production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
The sumptuous and surprising production by director Sarah Giles, plays at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 14-23 July.
La Traviata features an ensemble of some of Australia’s most exciting singers, including Lorina Gore as the famed heroine Violetta, Kang Wang as Alfredo and José Carbó as Germont, backed by the mighty Opera Queensland Chorus and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dane Lam.
Set in 1850s Paris, Giles’ production examines the politics of today by delving into the psychological complexity of the characters in this universally popular tale of hedonism and heartbreak.
La Traviata is a story that resonates with audiences, regardless of their opera experience.
Violetta is dying from consumption. She has spent her youth climbing through the social ranks, and while she is now a well-regarded courtesan she conceals her illness behind the glamorous veil of her socialite persona.
Alfredo is a love-struck young man who longs to be with the beautiful Violetta.
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After a bold declaration of love from Alfredo at a party, Violetta must choose if her life of freedom is worth sacrificing for true love.
She takes a chance on love and moves to the country with Alfredo to escape the prying eyes of Paris.
Soon, Alfredo’s father Germont pays a visit to their country home with an impossible ultimatum: Violetta must leave Alfredo or his family’s reputation will be ruined.
Violetta’s chooses to sacrifice her happiness to show her love for Alfredo. She returns to Paris, leaving a farewell note behind.
Upon receiving the note, Alfredo follows Violetta intent on changing the mind of the woman who has broken his heart.
As Violetta’s illness becomes more severe, will Alfredo learn the truth before it is too late?
Giles said audiences may have seen La Traviata before and be familiar with the story, but they have never seen it told like this.
“When we think about La Traviata, we generally think about Violetta the party girl, Violetta the romanticised dying courtesan, lavish party scenes and great opulence,” Giles said.
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“What we tend not think about are the realities of sex work, the imbalance of power between men and women, the punishing, unforgiving and inflexible society that Violetta lived in. And yet this is the world that her story takes place in. So, in this production we’re showing both sides of her story; the public and the private life of Violetta Valery.
“You’ll see the parties, the champagne, the glitz, and you’ll see the cruel reality of what happens behind closed doors and how contradictory the world was that Violetta had to survive and thrive in.”
Opera Queensland Artistic Director Patrick Nolan said audiences would be thrilled by the new production which reinvigorates the classic opera.
“We are delighted to premiere this new production of Verdi’s La Traviata – a work that is the world’s most performed opera,” Nolan says.
“Verdi’s music is astonishing and for all the wonderful chorus scenes in this opera, it is driven by finely nuanced dramatic writing. In this production, we are fortunate to have an ensemble of very talented singers who understand the power of the voice to express drama.
“Award winning set and costume designer Charles Davis has created the breathtaking costumes as intricate period pieces with dazzling modern flair that reflect the excesses of the story.”
La Traviata is a co-production between Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera. The production will include a season performance in Adelaide (25 July to 3 August) and Perth (20-29 October).
Tickets $75 – $185, more information here.
QPAC Lyric Theatre, Cnr Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane.
Approximately 2.5 hours including interval.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Contains adult themes, including sexual references and implied violence.
CREATIVE TEAM
Composer Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor Dane Lam
Director Sarah Giles
Set and Costumes Charles Davis
Lighting Paul Jackson
Associate Director Janice Muller
CAST
Violetta Valéry Lorina Gore
Alfredo Germont Kang Wang
Giorgio Germont José Carbó
Flora Bervoix Hayley Sugars
Doctor Grenville Conal Coad
Gastone de Letorieres Sebastian Maclaine
Baron Douphol Shaun Brown
Marchese d’Obigny Jason Barry-Smith
Annina Susan Ellis
Opera Queensland Chorus
Presented in association with Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
A co-production between Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera.
