NZ Opera Presents: La Bohème
13th September 2018
ASB Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by David Rowland.
It is a love story for the ages, and one that New Zealand Opera stunningly brings to life in their latest production of the beloved La bohème composed by Giacomo Puccini. Comprising of four acts La Bohème portrays the lives of a group of bohemians living in the Latin Quarter of Paris. The libretto itself based on Henri Murger’s novel Scènes de la vie de bohème set in the 1840’s. Under the direction of Jacqueline Coats, the specific time period is not a focal point of the production, Coats stating that “love is timeless and so is La bohème’s story”, thus leaving the viewer to be swept up instead by the emotive tale and characters rather than the historical aspect.
Opening with the four key male roles of Rodolfo, Marcello, Schaunard and Colline a genuine rapport can instantly be felt between the quartet, their playful banter eliciting laughter from the audience on several occasions. Rodolfo played by Dame Malvina Major Foundation Fellow tenor Thomas Atkins is an immediate standout, his vocals rich and evocative; offset by Australian baritone Nicholas Lester who performs the part of the painter Marcello – the pair draw the audience into a close friendship that illustrates another form of the overarching theme of the opera, one of platonic love.
Following a wonderfully candid scene involving the four once again cleverly weedling their way out of paying the rent to their landlord Benoît performed by baritone Barry Mora, the audience are introduced to the character of Mimi sung by New Zealand soprano Marlena Devoe. The duet of ‘O soave fanciulla’ between Rodolfo and Mimi is breath-taking, their attraction palpable as they are drawn towards each other while searching for Mimi’s key that she has dropped in the darkness of Rodolfo’s abode.
Set designer Rachael Walker cleverly uses a triangular centre piece from which to anchor each of the scenes, the transition seamless as the audience are taken from Rodolfo’s meagre abode through to the hustle and bustle of the Café Momus. The Café is surrounded by street sellers as well as children who gather around Parpignol the toy seller who is performed colourfully by Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist Manase Latu, his animated movements and bright red balloons a splash of colour amongst the darker shades of winter clothing worn by the chorus. The tempestuous Musetta is introduced, and quite frankly she steals the scene completely, New Zealand soprano and Ryman DMMF Mina Foley Scholar’s rendition of the risqué ‘Quando me’n vo’ delightful in its deliverance, her love for Marcello evident.
Moving through to Act III set at the toll gate the set design really comes into its own, against a backdrop of snow poles provide angular shadows through which smoke lazily moves, the bitter chill of winter skilfully conveyed. It is here that the quartet of Mimi, Rodolfo, Marcello and Mustta sing ‘Addio dolce svegliare alla mattina!’ their conviction to this integral piece ensuring that there were more than just a few tears beginning to well up amongst the audience as they moved as one towards the inevitable demise of Mimi.
When it comes to such an iconic opera such as La bohème it’s success truly hinges on the quality of the performances, those in the title roles embodying their characters wholeheartedly, Atkins despair in the final act at Mimi’s death heart wrenching in its delivery. But more importantly they convey the story of how love really can change someone’s world, the tragedy of Mimi’s untimely death not something to be lingered upon, instead their everlasting adoration is to be both treasured and celebrated. As they say ‘tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all’
With Tobias Ringborg conducting the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Puccini’s music soars, each nuance of that often complicated but overwhelming joyful emotion called love exquisitely handled. Gorgeously atmospheric and completely engrossing, this is a triumphant performance that cannot be missed.
Were you there at the ASB Theatre for this magnificent emotional Opera? Or have you seen La Bohème performed somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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Luscious!. That is how I would describe this experience. A magnificent performance in the most stunning settings. I loved the beautiful voices and the great acting. Well done!