Switching it up – The Marriage of Figaro serves us an opera unlike any other
Even people who love opera can recognise that it’s not necessarily for everyone. Those who have never been before would probably write it off as a lengthy snooze-fest or something that you would attend to try and please someone else (but you secretly pack a pair of those glasses with the eyes painted on so you can catch a kip in peace). While opera is actually anything but boring, it is an acquired taste – until now. Opera Australia has turned the traditional formula on its head with The Marriage of Figaro, coming to The Arts Centre Gold Coast from July 20–22 to bring together core elements of the genre with a distinctly modern twist.
Let’s start with the traditional part – The Marriage of Figaro was originally written by your mate and ours, Mozart. The story has all of the ingredients for madness and mayhem – in a wealthy household in Seville, Figaro is marrying Susanna, but the Count wants to seduce her first. Marcellina is pining after Figaro and the Countess just wants to get her husband back, but Susanna is more cunning than the rest of the lusty lot. When you add some stunning period costumes and a clever set, this tale of romance and scandal really pops off the stage and into your face.
Award-winning creative duo Michael Gow and Robert Kemp are the brains behind this brand-new production from Opera Australia. Figaro is sung in English, performed with a very talented live chamber orchestra and chorus of local children. The classic comedy has all of the makings of a traditional opera favourite, while the new creative direction will draw fresh faces to the genre. This is anything but stuffy and boring – leave your preconceptions at the door and prepare to be surprised.
Keen to try something totally different? You can nab tickets to The Marriage of Figaro through The Arts Centre Gold Coast website.
To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.
