Inspired interpretation of Donizetti’s opera buffa
FULL marks to the vocalists and musicians of this production of Don Pasquale for mustering the requisite brio despite their collective grief at the double bereavement suffered by the UCT Opera School with the passing of their acting director, George Stevens, and that of the orchestra’s Megan Thebus.
Donizetti’s ground-breaking opera, which like Janus looks both forward and back, combines the stylised lunacy and stock characters of the commedia dell’arte with the romantic elements that were such a novelty in the mid-19th century.
Director Claudia Blersch has added her own brand of inspired interpretation to this work, capturing its irrepressible fun and vitality from the moment the curtains are parted by a pair of characters from the chorus clad in the distinctive costumes of commedia dell’arte who, having decided that the audience is acceptable, proceed with the action – of which there is plenty.
The pace is suitably hectic, its energy underscored by the clever array of backdrop projections which reflect Neapolitan life. Naples, dear to Donizetti and home to the commedia tradition, is a wholly appropriate choice of setting in all its shabby chic.
Accompaniment from the UCT Orchestra under Montané’s skilful baton is excellent throughout, and this, together with the evocative set and videos by Giulio Bernardi, provide all the support needed by the singers to deliver the opera’s agenda.
Brittany Smith’s clear soprano projects powerfully in her confident portrayal of Norina as she rings the changes from demure schoolteacher to shrinking violet to scary virago; Lunga Hallam’s Ernesto has some exquisite moments in sentimental arias and a duet with Smith; and Luvuyo Mbundu is impressive as the conniving Malatesta.
Bongani Kubheka in the eponymous lead shows great calibre as both singer and actor, but his youth and athletic physique strain credulity when one bears in mind that he is portraying a man of 70.
That said, this is a highly enjoyable and entertaining opera buffa – a welcome piece of wellcrafted escapism.