The concept behind Teatru Manoel’s new production of “L’Elisir d’Amore”

This year’s annual Teatru Manoel opera production is Gaetano Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” to be staged on 12, 13 and 15 March 2015.

Possibly Donizetti’s most popular opera, “L’Elisir d’Amore” is a piece full of joy, hope and optimism and which makes you believe in love. The characters are a delight and the story is captivating. This is a fairy-tale opera which, very simply, makes you feel happy.

This production is also a brand new one, designed and directed completely by a local team. Director Denise Mulholland commented on the concept behind this production; “When I started work on the piece I knew almost immediately I wanted to set it in the 1950s. For me that period is synonymous with new beginnings, especially in Italy which was rebuilding itself after the Second World War. The country was emerging from that difficult time with confidence and buoyancy in a period which became known as ‘Il Boom’. Industry was growing, the economy was stabilising, Fiat and Vespa were flourishing, teenagers were developing an identity and movie-goers everywhere longed for a Roman Holiday”.
Inspired by 1950s films and aesthetically by the travel posters of that era, the action of the opera is moved from the original location of a farm where Adina was the landowner to a small, but stylish pensione on the Amalfi coastline- the Villa Adina. Artistic Director, Kenneth Zammit Tabona stated, “I am sure that the 1950s concept will go down a treat. It reminds us of the middle section of the famous film ‘The Yellow Rolls Royce’ with Shirley Maclaine and Alain Delon set on the Amalfi Coast in which love and loyalty are in direct conflict. Elisir is similar in so many ways.”

The creative team includes Pierre Portelli as set designer, who is renowned for taking a simple setting and making it into something thoughtful and beautiful. Isabel Warrington, as costume designer, has managed to make everyone look glamorous, stylish and dreamy and lighting designer Chris Gatt manages to use lighting almost like another character in the opera. The exceptional music team includes Juliette Bisazza as the opera music director and conductor Philip Walsh.
“L’Elisir d’Amore” features leading Maltese and foreign artists in the main roles, the Teatru Manoel Opera Chorus and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances are on 12, 13, and 15 March 2015 at 7.30pm with a pre-opera talk for ticketholders at 6.45pm.

 

To book: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or tel: 2124 6389.