Rockdale Celebrates Czech Opera’s Anniversary
Rockdale Opera Company is celebrating the 150thanniversary of Bedřich Smetana's classic Czech comic opera with four performances this November as part of their 2016 season. We sat down with the Opera Australia resident director Luise Napier to talk about her new adaptation of the Smetana classic.
Luise joined the Australian Opera Chorus in 1973, performing a number of principal roles before accepting the position of Resident Director in 1989. She is also the Associate Director for Rusalka (Opera North, UK).
What drew you to want to direct TBB?
Rockdale Opera Company invited Julia de Plater to be Music Director. Jules and I are long time colleagues and friends, having conducted me in performance and for shows I have directed.
What inspired you to set this production in the Australian Outback?
Many different cultures still celebrate their national days here in Australia. I see the 'oldies' hanging on to their customs (like arranged marriages) and the younger generation wanting to make their own choices, themes present in The Bartered Bride we could update and relocate.
Smetana's music is beloved by Czech people and the music-loving community
What surprises (if any) should audiences who are familiar with this opera expect?
It might be surprising for people who know the piece, to see how we've changed the characters to reflect their situation in Australia…
Our 'marriage broker' is a wheeler-dealer willing to do anything to make money.
Kruŝina is a struggling farmer and a gambler.
Micha is a wealthy grazier and their son is not stupid, but a quiet shy studious young man.
Our substitute for the traditional performing circus is an amusing but PC twist!
We've also replaced recitatives with spoken dialogue, using Australian vernacular.
Do you have a favourite part in the opera?
Mařenka and Jenik have a Duet in Act 3 with fabulous music that ends up with them having a blazing row! In fact the character of Marenka is extremely interesting. She can be sweet but is predominantly feisty, dramatic and is not above manipulation towards her goal of marrying the man she loves.
Who inspires you?
The people behind the scenes of Rockdale Opera Company are an inspiration with their commitment to presenting the best possible production. They have a long history and are passionate about maintaining its traditional role in the community.
Have there been any particular challenges directing this production?
The very short rehearsal period is proving to be a challenge. There is a lot of music for the singers to learn and they have to fit it in around their usual daily lives and commitments.
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Director Luise Napier started her career as an amateur with Rockdale Musical Society and is thrilled to return to the Town Hall with her new adaptation of this classic work. Along with her long time collaborator Julia de Plater, they found the perfect opportunity to bring The Bartered Brideinto the 21stcentury.
Set within a Czech community in rural Australia during May Day celebrations, where traditional cultural values are challenged and juxtaposed. Czech composer Bedřich Smetana's joyous opera is infused with the rich atmosphere of colourful village life and folk traditions, beautifully depicted by his lavish and evocative musical score.
Rockdale Opera Company presents
THE BARTERED BRIDE
by Bedřich Smetana
New Text and Lyrics by Julia de Plater and Luise Napier
adapted from the translation by Rosa Newmarch
NOVEMBER 12 – 20, 2016
ROCKDALE TOWN HALL
Director: Luise Napier
Musical Director: Julia de Plater
Choreographer: Rachael Fullston
WITH Frances Carlile, Jonathan Carlile, Christopher Curcuruto, Ray Dubber, Rachael Fullston, Georgia Kokkoris, Joshua Oxley, Blake Parham, Rory Struthers & Kate Wilmot
Tickets online: goo.gl/T0mwNZ
or phone 02 4730 6932
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