A very professional performance of La Traviata by Opera & Ballet International was staged last Sunday, April 29, at the White Rock Theatre on theHastings seafront.
Ellen Kent’s production (she is director/producer and consultant in this and all her other operas) was very polished, with lovely sets and enjoyable choreography.
Quite often the death scene at the end is too drawn out, but this did not happen this time so it was very moving and emotional – but appropriately timed.
The singing of everyone – soprano Alyona Kistenyova (Violetta), tenor Vitalii Liskovetskyi (Alfredo) and bass Iurie Gisca (Alfredo’s father) – was wonderful, as were the choir and supporting individuals. It was sung in Italian with English subtitles.
Based on a true story it tells of the passionate love and life of Violetta – a consumptive courtesan – and was written by Alexandre Dumas
Published in 1852 it was subsequently adapted by Dumas for the stage and into Verdi’s Opera La Traviata (The fallen woman).
In 1844 Dumas had moved to St Germain-en-Laye, near Paris where he met Marie Duplessis, a young courtesan who was his inspiration for the character in The Lady of the Camellias. He moved to Moscow in 1864 where he married and had two daughters.
The White Rock Theatre offers a very varied programme. To find out more about their events visit the website
Photo: Heidi Foster
Image Credits: Rye News library .