La Traviata - A Review of the WNO's February 2014 Production

I’ve long been a fan of the WNO (Welsh National Opera). Over the last few year they’ve taken great care to re-brand themselves, and shake off the belief held by many that opera is only for the elite and the intelligentsia. On the contrary, opera can, and should, be enjoyed by everyone. Much like Shakespeare, it was written for mass appeal, and mass enjoyment. Looking around the breathtaking Wales Millennium Centre’s auditorium last night I was gladdened to see that people of all ages, sexes, and styles were there; from men in tuxedos, to women in jeans and t-shirts. They’d all been brought together by not only their shared love of music, but because the themes that run through opera are echoed in the lives of each and every one of us – love, hope, despair, joy, jealousy, anger, sacrifice, loneliness, and so much more.

Everything about this production of La Traviata (The Fallen Woman) was perfect. For those of you unfamiliar with the libretto, it’s (basically) the same plot line as Moulin Rouge - man falls for courtesan; courtesan must break his heart to save him; the couple are reunited just before the courtesan dies of TB. It’s an attack on hypocrisy and prejudice, and aptly demonstrates that not only should you never judge a book by it’s cover, but that humans possess an amazing capacity to change and evolve.

The heartbreaking duets between Violetta and Alfredo (played to utter perfection by Linda Richardson and Peter Sonn) had me transfixed, with every single note drenched in passion, loss, and hope for a brighter tomorrow; a tomorrow which, sorrowfully, never comes for Violetta. 

The staging and props were especially clever as the colour palette changed with each act to reflect the changes in Violetta’s life and mood. Death was a subtle but ever present fixture, as the set designers had cleverly carved Violetta’s tombstone into the stage floor. Even in her happiest moments they were reminding us of her impending and inescapable fate. 

The conductor, Simon Phillippo, leads an orchestra of such joyous extremes; with the lightest of woodwinds, to the most brooding strings. The soar of Dammi tu forza, O cielo! in the second act had me close to tears. Or in the words of another famous courtesan of the modern era (the lovely Vivian from Pretty Woman), “It was so good, I almost peed my pants!”

If you get a chance, please go and see this production. It’s a highly accessible piece, even for those who have never seen opera before.