THEATRE REVIEWS

This was an historic evening as it was Welsh National Opera's first performance in its new home. Wales Millennium Centre is staggering; its auditorium boasts the grandeur of a world-class theatre as well as proclaiming a feeling of intimacy. The acoustics in the auditorium are astonishing; every note played had a crisp and pure sound. Carlo Rizzi masterfully commanded the orchestra, and as the prelude began with the softness of the string section, shivers tingled down my spine.

Verdi wrote the opera as a contemporary piece and, in keeping with this, the directors (Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser) have cleverly adapted the story to the context of the 21st century. Violetta Valéry (Nuccia Focile) is portrayed as a famous model, and the opera begins with a party in Violetta's house celebrating her health. Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont (Peter Wedd) who soon declares his love for her. Even though she dismisses his love at first, she soon softens to the idea of falling in love.

The second act begins with the couple living happily in the country away from Violetta's old life; but Alfredo's father Giorgio Germont (Jonathan Summers) turns up unexpectedly and tries to persuade Violetta to leave Alfredo in order to ensure that his daughter's fiancé will still marry her. Violetta declares to him that she does not have long left to live, but she eventually agrees to leave Alfredo. We then see much pain and anguish for Violetta and Alfredo before they are reunited in the final act; but it is too late for them because Violetta's health deteriorates and we see her lying on her deathbed with an inconsolable Alfredo at her side.

Nuccia Focile is sublime as the heroine, she sings with passion and ferocity, allowing the audience to empathise with her character. Peter Wedd gives a strong performance as Alfredo, and Jonathan Summers commands the stage as Giorgio Germont. The chorus brings humour to the opening act as the drunken partygoers, and are equally effective in creating tension in later scenes.

The set is cleverly designed by Christian Fenouillat, with vibrant colours in the opening act and large scale photos of Violetta suggesting a superficiality in the world of celebrity. The final setting in the hospital room is also effective as the cold starkness of the set reflects the hopelessness and inevitability of the situation.

The opera was performed with raw emotion and energy. The directors successfully managed to convey the tragedy by making the characters very human, and proving that Verdi's work has the ability to transcend through the ages. Welsh National Opera's opening performance to its spring season was simply breathtaking and left me gasping for more. © RL

“La Traviata” is at the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff on the 26th February and the 6, 9 and 11th March, 2005 then touring.