As soon as Violetta (Bergen Fidan) took the floor at the Rye Creative Centre on Saturday June 29, the sell out audience knew that they were in for a treat. Right from the start her story, the presentation and, above all, her vocal quality transported us into her tragic tale of life, love and, ultimately, death.
La Traviata (the Lost One) is the story of a woman, suffering from tuberculosis and working as a high-class prostitute in Paris, who unexpectedly finds love with Alfredo (Tylor Lamani). They move to the country and are blissfully happy until Alfredo’s father (Michael Dewis) intervenes and breaks up the relationship. Without Alfredo’s knowledge, Violetta leaves for Paris to take up her old life. He feels betrayed and leaves the country. Soon her health deteriorates, her only hope being Alfredo’s return. Finally, he does and their relationship is blessed by his father. But it is too late and Violetta tragically dies. You can see a full programme HERE.
The cast and musicians from Barefoot Opera, supported by the Marsh Choir for this performance, brought the story to life with performances worthy of a top-class opera venue. The spellbound audience felt they were part of the production as the powerful singing and expressive acting took place immediately in front of their seats.
This is the second visit by St. Leonards-on-Sea based Barefoot Opera and Rye can only hope that they put us on their schedule for any future performances. The audience certainly expressed its appreciation, with applause throughout and a long standing ovation at the end. People came form all over Kent and Sussex, showing the attraction of both the company and the Creative Centre as a high-quality performance venue.
Barefoot Opera has a mission to challenge the notion that opera is elitist by producing high-quality, inclusive and accessible performances of opera by re-working the classics, commissioning contemporary work, and engaging new audiences and participants. More information is available HERE, and you can support their incredible work by becoming a FRIEND.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Peter Connock .
As a member of The Marsh Choir, it was an honour and a privilege to be part of such an amazing performance. I was not the only one leaving with tears in their eyes.