Opera returns to Gozo |
Teatru Astra is steadfastly progressing in its preparations to produce Bizet's masterpiece; Carmen, on the 27th and 29th October 2022. A young soldier, Don Jose, intends to marry Micaela, however upon meeting the sensual and fiercely independent Carmen, he sacrifices all he has to be with her. Growing bored of him, Carmen turns her attention to Escamillo, a dashing Toreador, leading Don Jose's jealousy to take the better of him thus turning to violence. The production of Carmen is always a work born in pain, with the choice of the interpreter for the demanding role of Carmen being one of the most delicate choices The mezzo must verily depict the erotic free woman that caused scandal with what the French newspaper Le Gaulois described after the premiere in 1875 as "frantic hip thrusts", lawlessness, immorality, and tragedy, all infused within depictions of proletarian life. At the same time, this role demands a decisive tone and absolute strength of voice from the characters, poured upon with a large dose of emotion. With the production being once again entrusted to Enrico Stinchelli's proven artistic direction, this production is set to break new grounds for opera in Gozo, with revolutionary lighting designs, classically chic costumes, and graceful Flamenco elements. A star-studded cast has been chosen to reintroduce Gozo to the grand form of culture that it has been craving for the past years due to the fair share of trials and tribulations brought upon theatrical productions by the pandemic, with Astra's Carmen having had to be postponed twice. The stellar cast will be announced shortly. John Galea will conduct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra that brings to life Bizet's vibrant score, while the wholesome Astra Opera Chorus directed by Mariella Spiteri Cefai and the Piccole Stelle Choir directed by Sylvana Attard will feature prominently in this grand operatic work. Bookings can be done online through www.teatruastra.org.mt. The opera at Teatru Astra is supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme managed by the Arts Council Malta. |