Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Sunday 10 November 2024, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA
If you have NEVER seen an opera performance before and quite curious – this is an outstanding entry into the fabulous genre. If you HAVE experienced opera before, come again, this will have you stunned like NO OTHER that came prior. The three hours of operatic enjoyment are fleetingly quick and you almost can’t believe where the time went as you are so immersed and engrossed in the spectacle and drama on stage before you.
State Opera South Australia’s recent production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor at Her Majesty’s Theatre has been met with critical acclaim and for very good reason. This is my first ‘Gaetano Donizetti’ opera endeavour and I found it refreshingly unique. This revival marks the company’s first staging of the opera in over 30 years, bringing a super fresh perspective to the classic bel canto masterpiece. And, a masterpiece indeed it is. Let’s discuss why, in my humble opinion…
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Holy moly, where to start… OK, Australian soprano Emma Pearson delivers a compelling performance as Lucia, capturing the character’s emotional depth and fragility. Her portrayal has been described as “stunning” and “a Lucia for a new generation.” Make no mistake, Emma’s voice is thrillingly amazing, almost un-humanly. And the ‘mad’ scene (possibly one of the most famous mad scenes around) is both frightingly excellent and chilling. Morgan Pearse returns to Adelaide as the unscrupulous Enrico, while Indian American tenor Alok Kumar makes his company debut as Edgardo, Lucia’s ill-fated lover. Both of these actors have tenacious voice that boom and fill our acoustically exceptional Her Majesty’s Theatre. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of acclaimed Spanish conductor Lucía Marín, provides a rich and nuanced musical backdrop. The music they produce is quite simply heavenly. Director Laura Hansford leads the revival of John Copley’s revered production, infusing it with contemporary insights while honouring its storied history. Lighting by Donn Byrnes is exemplary, it comes in, highlights and fades back with all the drama required of this commanding piece of work. Bravo.
Buck in for the Sets & Costumes
You have seen NOTHING like this set. It is grandiose in size and heavily detailed. Henry Bardon and the team deserve an award for this impressively scaled design which moves and evolves for the acts and scenes.
The costume designer, Michael Stennet, has gone to the next level also. The costumes are heavy in detail and accurate for the period. There is nothing in appearance that even comes close to saying that had a tight budget. This is laden with the upmost of quality and the costumery indeed assists and compliments the wonderful story telling.
A Timeless Tale of Love and Madness
Set in the Scottish Highlands, Lucia di Lammermoor tells the tragic story of Lucia Ashton, a young woman caught between love and familial duty. Manipulated into a politically advantageous marriage, Lucia’s descent into madness culminates in one of opera’s most famous “mad scenes.” This production explores Lucia’s narrative through a modern lens, offering audiences a deeper understanding of her plight and the audience I sat with were engaged and spell bound for the entire three hours (with two intervals).
Wrap Up
I can only say amazing things on the latest offering from our friends at State Opera South Australia. This production of Lucia Di Lammermoor is the closet thing to a masterpiece I have seen. It is art. It is beauty. It is a performance full of the highest quality of talent that have come together on one stage (and under the stage in regards to the ASO). This production MUST be experienced.
Upcoming Performances
Lucia di Lammermoor continues its run at Her Majesty’s Theatre with performances on November 10, 14, and 16, 2024 – So best grab your tickets fast, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS! Tickets are available through the State Opera South Australia’s official website (See below).
This revival of Lucia di Lammermoor offers both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers an opportunity to experience a masterful blend of vocal prowess, dramatic storytelling, and timeless music.
How many stars?…
State Opera South Australia’s Lucia Di Lammermoor runs until 16 November at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Get in quick.
Ticket link here!
