Presented by Ukrainian National Opera, this was The Dnipro Opera Company's production of Puccini's famous and loved opera, 'La Boheme'.
The orchestra was in the pit (under the direction of Ihor Puchkov) and the house lights dimmed. As the curtain rose to a simplistic touring set, it was clear that this was a production that was watching its pockets. Costumes were mostly appropriate, but hairstyles were all over the place. (especially from the ensemble). However, the directing and production was true to the opera and Puccini's original scoring.
The story is, as indeed all Grand Opera. a tragedy, but is one of love and hope too. A poet, Rodolfo, living in a rented garret with three other artistes, makes the acquaintance of his next-door neighbour, a silk-needle worker called Mimi. They immediately fall in love. Mimi however is consumptive, and after a brief love affair, it of course, ends in woe.
Olga Perrier gave a studied and singular performance of our tragic protagonist, Mimi. Rodolfo was the tenor Roman Korentsvit, whilst the role of his friend, baritone Marcello, was given a sincere and energetic make-over by Andriy Lomakovyth.
The chorus work was stilted, unanimated and frankly amateurish sadly, and some of the voices, even amongst the principals, were showing signs of tiredness. It is very much to the company's credit that they chose to perform without microphones, and their voices were heard clearly in the circle without amplification, however, perhaps the demands of singing at that level every night and touring too is a little too demanding for some of the company members.
A rather disappointing production, somewhat pedestrian and lacklustre, and very unimaginative direction.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 4.2.24
on - 4.2.24
No comments:
Post a Comment