Opera North’s La Traviata at The Lowry, Manchester Review
La Traviata
The Lowry, Manchester
19-21 November 2014
Reviewed by Ann Durrell
La Traviata is a love story set in Paris in the 18th Century. Violetta is a courtesan who whilst living the high life is suffering from Tuberculosis, Alfredo is a young man from Provence who falls for Violetta from afar and runs away with her to the country. Giorgio is Alfredo’s father who disapproves of the relationship and travels to the country to convince Violetta to leave end the relationship as it is bringing shame upon his family. This production from Opera North has been directed by Alessandro Talevi and is sung in Italian with English subtitles.
As the curtain rose we see Violetta, sat in darkness starring up at what initially looked like the moon. After realising the ‘moon’ was moving images it turned out to be the Tuberculosis bacteria in a petri dish and then moving to seeing the infection of the body. I did not feel that this brought anything to the production and was simply there make the production stand. Act One then progressed to Violetta’s house where a party, hosted by the courtesan was well underway with all sorts of debauchery happening in the chorus as they sung. I must say that whilst I am no prude I did not feel that having the chorus simulating sex was not necessary at all. The audience could gain the impression of a wild party without this. I was hesitant after this opening of how this production was going to carry on but happily it became more traditional after this.
In the final act with Violetta on her death bed we unfortunately saw another glimpse of the directors wish to stand out. With Violetta on her death bed there is a gathering of men behind her on the stage in formal dress and white masquerade masks, as she is dying they begin to slow clap. I really did not understand why this was necessary and it did take away from what is the Opera’s most emotive scene.
The role of Violetta was played by Hye-Youn Lee has a strong voice and she has excellent control. Act one she played the part of a sassy courtesan out for a good time but in Act two she was softer showing her true love for Alfredo. Ji-Min Park plays Alfredo and is believable in his utter devotion to his beloved Violetta. I think that Roland Wood performance of Giorgio was by far my favourite. I really enjoyed listening to his voice which had a beautiful tone and he played the part superbly. In act 2 he strides in, a devout father protecting his children. On seeing Violetta’s dedication to Alfredo and the sacrifice she is willing to make you believed he becomes sympathetic to her and remorseful for what he felt he had to ask of her in order to protect his family.
Overall I really enjoyed this production and would recommend it.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £19.50 to £60 (includes £2 booking fee).
Opera North’s La Traviata is at The Lowry in Manchester until 21 November 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
