REVIEW: Rigoletto (NBR NZ Opera)
Decadence, drama and death [by Sharu Delilkan]
Sparafucile (Ashraf Sewailam) in his element threatening Maddalena (Kristin Darragh) Photo by Neil Mackenzie
As I walked into the newly renovated ASB Theatre at the Aotea Centre it was impossible not to notice that the carpets had been replaced by the bright parquet flooring and new seats. The light and airy feel gave the theatre the added bit of cheer, which was much needed on an otherwise dull and dreary Auckland evening.
But of course the most dramatic and notable change was the installation of acoustic panels, which proved to be a massive improvement and embellished the opera’s brilliance. And the theatricality of the entire production of NBR NZ Opera’s Rigoletto also complemented the newly fitted theatre, in keeping with their interpretation of the classic opera set in modern day Italy.
Italian romantic composer Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless heart-breaking tale of love and deception that premièred in 1851 translates perfectly to the era of Silvio Berlusconi, supporting NBR New Zealand Opera’s policy of bringing old war horses to life again.
REVIEW: Cav & Pag (NZ Opera)
Double dose delights [by Sharu Delilkan]
Cav & Pag. Photo credit Neil Mackenzie
You can’t go wrong with two for the price of one.
But when both the products are not just great value but great quality, you know you’ve struck gold.
In this case watching two separate but cleverly intertwined operas, Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci more commonly referred to as Cav/Pag, is not just value for money but a great night filled with drama and intrigue. A show definitely worth traipsing into town for, even amidst all the Rugby World Cup malarkey.
So I think by now you would have gathered that I really enjoyed the latest production of the NBR New Zealand Opera.