NZ Opera Presents: Macbeth
21st September 2022
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Alexis Brook. Photography by Grant Triplow.
Simply stunning. That’s how I would describe last night by the NZ Opera Company performing Verdi’s MacBeth in the Aotea Centre’s Dame Kiri te Kanawa Theatre, accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. I’ve never seen an operatic version of MacBeth. I must say Verdi’s score is superbly designed to accompany the madness and guilt expressed through this story of MacBeth’s reign.
To assist those unfamiliar with this opera, or indeed the story, hanging centre stage looming above the performers is a display screen which has the Italian lyrics visible in English. At times, while the artists are still singing there is no translation appearing, so while you can follow the emotive performances, if you were wondering exactly what they were singing, it is not present at times. This may be the intended feature or first night technical cobwebs.
Amanda Echalaz is a fabulous Lady MacBeth and expresses the ambitious obsessive hunger for power so well. The dinner scene in Act 2 was especially enjoyable and the physical comedy wrapped up in such a powerful soprano banter was among the best scenes of the show and of course, who can go see a performance of MacBeth without mentioning the infamous hand washing “Out damn spots” monologue, for which use of the stage was immaculate.
Philip Rhode’s rendition of MacBeth was captivating and the switch from power hunger through despair, doubt and finally demise was a masterpiece to watch. Of course MacBeth would be no-one without a Banquo to counter off in both alive and dead forms which Wade Kernot brings forth as such a haunting presence. The last-act vengeance from Jared Holt’s MacDuff was palpable and we mustn’t forget other key players in this story – Malcolm (Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono), Lady MacBeth’s Lady-In-Waiting (Morag Atchison) and all the assassins and villagers. The triggers for setting off this tale – the Witches, were performed by a group of 22 and their presence during their pivotal scenes was just grand.
The set design is ‘chef’s kiss’ exquisite and really is its own character in the show. Much kudos to Director/Designer Netia Jones for the execution of this vision. Completely captivating and expressive in its simple design and palette. Utilising a wide spectrum of greyscale tones and accenting lights, and costumes with red and cyan, the story telling with minimal props is captivating and by excellent use of modern technology projecting distorted images ranging from anguished yelling, hands holding daggers and flashes of x-rays reinforces each important moment of this classic tale.
I left the evening feeling fulfilled and entertained. With two more nights left in Auckland, the company will then head down to Wellington before finishing the season late October in Christchurch – so you still have time to get tickets to see this memorable production.
Were you there at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre for this beautiful performance? Or have you seen Macbeth performed live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Macbeth is also being performed in Wellington (The Opera House – 5th, 7th & 9th October) and Christchurch (Isaac Theatre Royal – 20th & 22nd October). Tickets are on sale now from NZOpera.com
Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review this performance. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.
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