Death In Venice by The Welsh National Opera At The Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel S-W
I was so excited to be able to watch another Welsh National Opera show. I was introduced to the opera company last year through The Magic Flute so I had great expectations of a modern, alternative production. I’d heard about the controversy surrounding Death in Venice, having previously been banned by some authorities because it “might promote homosexuality” so I couldn’t wait to see what the fuss was about. What I was met with was a truly dark opera, full of emotions and a fantastic score!
I do love my theatre trips and look forward to my visits to The Mayflower. The theatre itself is very opulent inside and was pleasantly air conditioned. We were situated in the rear circle (row M located in the rear stalls) where it was very nice to have comfortable seats. From these seats I was able to see the orchestra warming up and had a great view of the stage.
So what would you expect from the opera? A lonely author, Gustav von Aschenbach, is left feeling lost following the death of his wife and his daughter who has married and moved away. He struggles to focus and work and is “met” by a traveller who suggests a trip to the coast. He travels to Venice and becomes besotted with Tadzio, a youthful aristocrat boy who is staying in the same hotel.
With his visions and fantasies getting too much for him, Aschenbach decides he needs to leave the hotel but after losing his luggage he has to return to the hotel where his obsession with Tadzio causes him to create situations in his mind. His obsession really does make him detached from reality.
Mark Le Brocq played the role of Gustav Von Aschenbach brilliantly. He led the cast, being on stage for all but a few minutes. His voice was sorrowful and powerful and I had no issues hearing him from the rear circle. He commanded the stage and portrayed the angst, emotion and conflicted mind of Aschenbach so convincingly. It’s no wonder he had members of the audience standing at the curtain call.
This opera was very different, not only were the voices of the cast amazing, but they also partnered with the NoFit State circus team who brought a whole new element by introducing acrobatics and circus skills to the show. It was clever how they integrated stunts, from balancing rope acts when Aschenbach first arrives in Venice, to aerial skills using clever costumes that fall to create aerobic silks, hoops, and the use of their own bodies for balancing or creating fight scenes. The Belgian aerialist, Antony César, played Tadzio. Both him and the NoFit State Circus team had the audience enthralled. His movements were so precise and effortless we were all waiting to see what the next move was. I didn’t realise that Tadzio was a non speaking part so I just admit I was waiting for him to speak, but he conveyed what was happening with the power of movement. The acrobatics added a different element to the opera which without it could have left it very dark. I think it’s great that the Welsh National Opera are bringing in different ideas to make their productions current.
The stage itself is dark to reflect the themes in the opera. Shiny, mirror-like black floors reflect some of the acrobatics taking place. It almost creates movement in a different dimension. The top half of the backdrop uses video screens to help emphasise certain sections of the scenes, such as when Aschenbach is gondola ride it shows water and scenes of Venice. The set comprises 4 ladders, 2 on each side of the stage which are cleverly used throughout the acrobatics. A member of the circus team uses their body weight as a counter balance for the circus tricks.
One of my favourite parts of the show was when Aschenbach is dreaming about having his soul fought over by Apollo and Dionysus. The scene was not only dramatic but the music was dark and had a different energy to it. You really got a sense that there was a battle really occurring on stage.
The costumes were very black or white. Black reflecting the lower class passengers at the dock and on the boat to Venice but as soon as Aschenbach arrives at the hotel the costumes change, become white, clean and elegant to represent the change is stature
The Welsh National Opera have an annual slot in The Mayflower in which they bring a variety of shows. This show was in English with a small amount of Italian, with surtitles to follow.
I would give the show an overall 4 out of 5. I really enjoyed the show but there were occasions where the surtitles weren’t in sync with what was being said.
The tickets cost from £17 and were a very reasonable price for the tickets. Death In Venice by the Welsh National Opera was a one night show. They are back for Cosi Fan Tutte which is showing on 21st and 23rd March.
Tickets for this show can be booked by visiting https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/wno-cosi-fan-tutte-2024/
https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/wno-death-in-venice-2024/
Mayflower Theatre 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE
Rating: 4/5
A dark opera