Maria Stuarda

In this powerful and emotional drama Donizetti imagines an encounter between Queen Elizabeth I and her rival Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland. The meeting between the two women contrasts two very dominant female figures and creates a battle of will between the two. This production makes that confrontation full of fire and passion where the women are fighting a range of battlegrounds: claims to the throne, the hearts and minds of the population, and the love and loyalty of key advisors. This is all beautifully and artfully put on display in this elaborate and sumptuous production.

The stage and set design are subtle and easily conjure up the vast and cavernous spaces where the story is set. This provides a great backdrop for the luscious and colourful detail in the costuming. All the characters inhabit the stage with a commanding presence and bring the fervour of their actions to life in a vibrant and palpable manner. There are times when the colour and lighting scheme suggests the chiaroscuro aesthetics of a Caravaggio painting capturing the sombre and deeply dramatic mood of the story. Each scene takes a highly artful approach to the staging and highlights the way power dynamics between the characters play out. 

Soprano Helena Dix as Maria Stuarda is sublime. Dix’s delicate and divine singing gives Maria Stuarda an angelic quality which endows her with an ethereal presence throughout the performance. Soprano Eleanor Greenwood as Elisabetta conveys the ruthlessness and determination through the intensity of her voice. Bass Eddie Muliaumaseali’i as Lord Cecil is also extraordinary. His vocal forcefulness makes him incredibly compelling without being domineering. The Melbourne Opera Chorus provide some spine-tingling moments in the performance capturing the climatic moments of the drama; they emanate and echo the formidable collective emotions as the execution of Maria Stuarda draws near. The impeccable performance from the orchestra is perfectly balanced with the singing and creates a harmony that allows the story and all the fiery sentiments to fill the entire auditorium. This is a refined and spectacular performance that provides an excellent and enormously fulfilling opera experience.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Robin Halls