An updated version of Mozart’s comic opera Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) is being staged from tomorrow at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta.
In a brand new production alongside the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Philip Walsh, director Jack Furness has based the opera in modern-day Europe, with a look to the future.
Originally written in the 18th century, Figaro and Susanna’s story here takes place in the time of Trump, Brexit, protests and other familiar situations.
The timeless opera is one of the favourite operatic works of all time. Nozze, as opera lovers affectionately call it, has stood the test of time with audiences always falling head over heels for the story of Figaro and Susanna.
Le Nozze di Figaro tells of how a countess and her servant come together to chasten her philandering aristocrat husband. The count, in this version, is a CEO.
The continent is on the brink of societal collapse and popular movements of all stripes are rallying people to their cause.
Barriers are broken, structures soften and the inflexible bends. Revolutionary co-operation of women across class boundaries leads to the triumph of love and acceptance.
Along the way, two very different couples learn lessons about both life and love. This is most definitely an interesting take on what is arguably one of the greatest masterpieces ever produced by Mozart and Da Ponte.
This production has a stellar cast, with Paul Putnins in the title role and the renowned Paris-based Maltese soprano Claire Debono as his fiancée, Susanna.
The international cast also includes Christian Bowers as Count Almaviva and Ruth Sammut Casingena as his countess. Clare Ghigo is the wonderful Cherubino, a teenager caught up in the political madness who cross-dresses constantly in pursuit of new and more identities. Kinga Dobay is Marcellina, with Francesca Aquilina in the role of Barbarina. In the role of Bartolo, there is Emilio Marcucci and Richard Roberts plays both Basilio and Curzio.
Sean Buhagiar acts as producer with contemporary artist Pierre Portelli taking on the set. Lighting design is in the hands of Christopher Gatt and costumes by Maria Muscat of Babettopolis fame.
■ The opera is being staged tomorrow and on March 2, 4 and 6 at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta at 7.30pm. It will be sung in the original Italian with English and Maltese surtitles, marking the first time Maltese surtitles will be used. Tickets can be purchased from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt or from the Manoel Theatre Box Office. For more information, email info@teatrumanoel.com.mt or call 2124 6389.