DUCHY OPERA IN A BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY!
Duchy Opera will be shining the spotlight on a little corner of Bohemia in October this year, with an unusual and riotous new production by Director, Keith Sparrow, of Franz Lehar’s famous operetta, The Merry Widow.
One of the most popular of all operettas, it was instantly successful, although it was thought rather risqué, given its romantic entanglements and this production looks set to continue the trend. Originally produced in German in 1905, it is an operetta in three acts sung in English.
Replacing the familiar Parisian society setting will be a run-down Berlin cabaret bar, which Mr Sparrow's direction sets at a momentous time in history – the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Amidst a gathering of artists, writers and musicians, who reunite after 28 years to celebrate their Bohemian lifestyles, the operetta tells the story of the beautiful widow, Anna Kaufmann, whose rich, elderly husband has died just one week after their wedding, leaving her with the world at her feet.
“Cornwall has such a vibrant and eclectic arts scene, that I feel really resonates with the whole Bohemian lifestyle," said Mr Sparrow. "Our aim is to portray the sense of optimism and freedom that was overflowing at that time and place in history, and infuse it with some real Cornish energy. “
Lehar’s magical score has some of the most memorable and joyous music you will ever hear coupled with a simple plot, dancing girls, comedy and spoken dialogue – it’s a must for anyone curious about this most wonderful and intriguing art form – opera.
Anyone interested in joining Duchy Opera, especially young singers, as a chorus member is warmly invited to attend rehearsals at the Tresillian Village Hall from 7pm-9pm each Sunday evening. |
