Cape Town Opera is Bringing the Gothic Romance of Lucia di Lammermoor to Johannesburg

This year Cape Town Opera is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special production of Gaetano Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ at Joburg Theatre from 25 to 27 July 2024. The staging features a full Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra accompaniment under the baton of Daniel Keet. Here’s why you cannot afford to miss this important production.

Lucia di Lammermoor is a gothic romance set in Scotland

Directed by industry legend and Cape Town Opera’s co-founder and Honorary Patron Angelo Gobbato, ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ is poised to enthral both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers. With its timeless tale of love, betrayal and madness, the opera remains as relevant today as it was when it first premiered in 1835.

The story centres around the love affair of Lucia Ashton and her family rival, Edgardo of Ravenswood. The two noble families -the Ashtons and Ravenswoods – are bitter rivals. Enrico Ashton, brother of Lucia, has arranged her marriage to the wealthy Lord Arturo Bucklaw in the hope that this union will save his family from financial ruin. Caught in the middle of this feud and cornered by the men around her, Lucia is driven to madness with the direst consequences for all.

From the soaring melodies of the famous Mad Scene to the intricate ensemble numbers, ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ is filled with raw emotion and musical brilliance, a true testament to Donizetti’s genius and the enduring power of this thrilling art form. At the heart of the production lies the tragic heroine Lucia, a role coveted by sopranos for its vocal demands and emotional depth.

The eminent Angelo Gobbato returns to direct the production

It is profoundly fitting that Cape Town Opera has come full circle by having Angelo Gobbato return to direct this production, having first directed Lucia di Lammermoor in 1997, two years before the company was officially established as a non-profit entity in 1999.

Lucia di Lammermoor — Brittany Smith as Lucia and Lukhanyo Moyake as Edgardo

See South Africa’s best opera talent on stage

The cast features a stellar line-up of Cape Town Opera’s acclaimed performers. Brittany Smith, who recently won a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for her portrayal of Maria in The Sound of Music, brings Lucia to life in all her tragic glory with her radiant soprano voice and compelling stage presence.

Smith will perform alongside fellow Cape Town Opera House soloists Lukhanyo Moyake (as Edgardo) and Conroy Scott (as Enrico). CTO Judith Neilson Young Artists include Asisipho Petu and Julia Portela Piñón as Alisa and Lonwabo Mose as Raimondo. Van Wyk Venter is Normanno, and guest artist Sakhumzi Martins sings Arturo.

Haute fashion, lighting and set design with a contemporary edge

Cape Town Opera is known for their expansive, stylish stage shows. Designer Michael Mitchell has placed the production in a more present-day setting than its usual Scottish Highlands. The overall look and feel of the set and costumes are modern and contemporary, with Mitchell drawing inspiration from couturier Alexander McQueen for Lucia’s wedding dress. His concept also makes use of projections by Kirsti Cumming.

Lighting is by Oliver Hauser, movement direction is by Kirsten Isenberg.

Lucia di Lammermoor runs at the Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre for three performances only – advance booking is highly recommended.

Cost: From R215pp to R750pp, book via Webtickets

When: From 25 to 27 July 2024. Selected days at 2pm and 7pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Website: capetownopera.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 021 001 9880
Instagram: @capetownopera
Facebook: @capetownopera