(seen at the afternoon performance on 12th November 2023).
The monkey’s second dip into “classic” opera, and only fourth ever opera experience.
It is happy to report that it just gets better. Very surprised to be greeted with jealousy by an opera fan it chatted to randomly at a play, it learned in advance that this was considered a superior production – and more to the point a tricky ticket to get. The monkey was rather pleased it didn’t mention its seat was in the second row.
As it turned out, this rather added to the experience as the lovers wooed and reconciled standing right next to its chair - the orchestra pit ahead a vast symbolic gap between them. Thrilling to hear the natural voices so close up and observe the actual photograph being held (a literal one-person view of the show).
Apparently, the opera usually runs to around 3 and a half hours or more over four acts, so the ENO bringing it in at under 2 hours without an interval is something of an achievement.
From the programme notes, it is clear that storylines are simplified and emotional emphasis adjusted to allow this. The tale is easy enough to follow for the most part, the monkey only failing to comprehend fully two points.
The reason for courtesan Violetta Valery’s (Nicole Chevalier) departure from the countryside where she was attempting a personal redemption, back to her old life, seemed a little obscured.
Slightly confusing too, the lovably nerdy intellectual Alfredo (Jose Simrilla Romero), who lured her there, followed her to a lavish city soiree to sort things out. Again, the monkey again couldn’t quite see what went on to trigger some events following their meeting there.
Still, the point is that it came out in moving operatic fashion in the end. Machiavellian father of Alfredo, one Giorgio (Roland Wood) repenting of his meddling in the face of Valery’s death, and probably setting up his son’s young daughter for a better life.
Where director Peter Konwitschny, revival director Ruth Knight and Designer Johannes Liacker really scored for this non-opera tutored simian is in the presentation.
Simple red curtains, pairs of them the depth of the stage. Opened and drawn as the heart does to love and pleasure; eventually falling to leave a single pair deep in the darkness of the human soul.
A single chair, modern period clothing.
All that is needed to tell a memorable story and show us the characters we become involved passionately with over a mere 100 minutes. A little laughter (the maids dealing with the coat mountains are hilarious) and suddenly opera seems a little less scary.
The monkey has two more “classics” to encounter in the current season. Now, it thinks it may finally be starting to understand – just as Alfredo, Giorgio and Violetta do, just why we must listen to something we may initially overlook. A life lesson in curtains, who knew?
5 stars, standing ovation given.
Photographs: Nicole Chevalier as Violetta Valery’s (main image); Jose Simrilla Romero as Alfredo (top right); Roland Wood as Giorgio (bottom right). Taken by the author with permission of the venue at final curtain call. Copyright Theatremonkey.com, all rights reserved.