As West Australian Opera catapulted their first main stage show of the season, they enchanted audiences with the ill-fated tale of La Traviata.
The curtain rises to a very dynamic setting, transporting you to a more modernist manor than its original French roots, a 20th century twist on an almost Victorian interior.
Our Violetta, portrayed by Jessica Blunt, is introduced to the audience with a robust look into the life of a high-society courtesan. Hedonism fills Blunt’s characterisation, intertwined with an unorthodox childlike demeanor.
The powerful soprano burst into the setting for the first act, a tongue in cheek party fuelled by a supporting chorus whose collective voice fully immersed the audience.
With the chorus and principals on stage, the set felt crammed, as it was the subsection between the main ballroom and Violetta’s bedroom. However, it still allowed for an impactful introduction of Alfredo Germont (Paul O’Neill), our lover, whose tenor tones flowed tenderly.
O’Neill’s embodiment of Alfredo was perfect, almost comical in how tragic a romantic our leading man is. It was hands down my standout performance of the show.
Paul O’Neill in La traviata by WEST BEACH STUDIO
Our leading pair flaunt their love effortlessly, which is a testament to the work of intimacy director Zoë Warwick. Her workshopping helped achieve a love that felt authentic and cathartic.
But as fate goes in tragic operas, our powerful father figure Giorgio Germont (James Clayton) forbids their love. Themes of social hypocrisy riddle Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, and Clayton’s headstrong portrayal of Alfredo’s father was stellar.
His mark in the production was very much needed. The momentum in Act 1 was slower than the rest of the show, which stood out quite prominently.
Giorgio and Alfredo’s arguments over Violetta’s moving expenses to Paris were robust and realistic, something you do not often feel in opera. By nature the artform is more dramatic, but when emotion like this combusts on stage, you cannot help being invested.
When Violetta is forced to call things off and eventually sees Alfredo at a gambling party, you really feel the intensity.
A vicious exchange between Alfredo, Violetta, Giorgio and the fabulous, jealous Baron Douphol took place. It was perfectly displayed, with our four leads powerfully delivering their thoughts to the audience while keeping a focused wrath of emotion.
Douphol, played by the ever so regal Andrew Foote, channelled a quintessentially exemplary antagonist. The story of La Traviata relies on the dual antagonism of the Baron and Giorgio. Without the pair being strong, the story and feeling would be lost.
Jessica Blunt and Paul O’Neill in LA TRAVIATA by WEST BEACH STUDIO
Another highlight within scene transitions was the lighting from day to night. The way lighting designer Paul Jackson created different variations of morning natural light filtering through the manor windows was hyper realistic and super immersive for viewers. It was a production value highlight.
When Violetta’s tuberculosis started to overpower the courtesan, the phasing out from the party into her final hours in the manor was striking. From all the glamour of the house being stripped away, to the shifting lighting, it was elegant and melancholy.
Minor tuned strings led by conductor Lochlan Brown planted an eerie ambience for the chilling final hours of our protagonist.
Robert Hoffman’s Doctor Grenvil delivered a bass performance that was well needed. Tender, gentle and hesitant, his portrayal sent a clear message that no time remained for our lovers.
The final act mixed the reflective, somber and love struck vibrato of our leading duo. Their on stage connection felt even stronger than in the first two acts.
On reflection, some surtitles were not timed perfectly, which could make following the story difficult for people who either do not speak Italian or have not seen the opera before. That said, West Australian Opera’s performance of La Traviata should be in your diary.
La Traviata presented by the West Australian Opera is on at His Majesty’s Theatre from March 14-28.