This autumn, Cape Town Opera will present SHORTS: A festival of pocket operas, a captivating series of concise operas at the Artscape Theatre from 11 to 21 April, 2024. This diverse and dynamic festival promises to be a celebration of operatic innovation and storytelling, and features an impressive lineup, including the world premiere of Conrad Asman’s Trial by media, a compelling new South African opera, Francis Poulenc’s La voix humaine, and Mozart’s comedic opera The impresario, presented in English.
Conrad Asman (Photo: Flavia Cantena)
Trial by media by Conrad Asman delves into the complexities surrounding media perceptions of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial.
La voix humaine (The human voice), directed by Magdalene Minnaar, features Janelle Visagie as The Woman, a role that earned her the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Female Opera Singer in 2018. Based on Jean Cocteau’s 1950s play, this one-woman masterpiece by Poulenc portrays the harrowing effects of dementia, capturing the protagonist’s battle with the condition through fragmented memories and confusion.
The impresario, Mozart’s engaging comic opera, is presented in English and brings a lighthearted touch to the festival. Composed for a musical competition at Emperor Joseph II’s request in 1786, the opera showcases Mozart’s comedic genius.
SHORTS: A festival of pocket operas is at the Artscape Arena from 11 to 21 April 2024 with tickets cost from R150 to R280 per person. For performance details and to book please visit Webtickets.
Kommentaar
Die artikel verwys nie een keer na Schalk Schoombie wat die opera gekonseptualiseer het nie. Hy het die oorspronklike libretto daarvoor geskryf en self gesoek na 'n tweede komponis, nadat die eerste een wat betrokke was, kop uitgetrek het. Dis SCHALK SCHOOMBIE se idee wat uiteindelik gestalte gekry het. Deeglik besef ek dat Conrad Asman besondere werk met die konsep en libretto gedoen het. Maar dis betreurenswaardig dat in sommige bemarkingsmateriaal daar gladnie of slegs ligweg na Schalk verwys word.