Following a triumphant tour in Johannesburg, Cape Town will soon be treated to the much-anticipated opera TOSCA, the Cape Town Opera’s grandest ensemble performance.
The production will hit the Artscape Theatre’s Opera House next month and promises an exhilarating narrative, cinematic direction, and a visually captivating spectacle.
Magdalene Minnaar, the director of TOSCA, shared her excitement about the upcoming tour and reflected on the successful Johannesburg run with the Weekend Argus.
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Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming Cape Town showcase, Minnaar highlighted a particular instance where the audience’s applause reached unprecedented levels mid-performance.
She emphasised that the entire tale is woven through the music itself, allowing for the creation of richly developed characters.
‘The Joburg run was an insane success and absolutely phenomenal. One of the performances received the biggest applause I have ever heard in the middle of a performance. Everything is written in music, and it has been a thrill to create fully fleshed characters,’ she said.
Minnaar also highlighted the significance of the lighting design, describing it as an exhilarating aspect of the production. The opera will feature a chorus composed of both children and adults from Cape Town. The main roles will be performed by two local talents, both of whom Minnaar praised for their exceptional abilities.
Conroy Scott will take on the role of Baron Scarpia, the opera’s antagonist, while Nobulumko Mngxekeza will portray the fiery Floria Tosca in her first Cape Town Opera production since assuming the role of House Soloist last year.
Scott, embodying the operatic archetype of the ‘bad boy,’ elaborated on his character’s complexities, noting his sadistic tendencies and controlled madness.
‘I play the typical operatic ‘bad boy’. He enjoys hurting people and I would say he is quite pathological. He is crazy in a controlled manner until the switch flips,’ he said.
Scott extended an invitation to the audience to experience the show, emphasising the overarching brilliance of storytelling, production artistry, and musical performances. His sentiment resonated with Mngxekeza, who portrayed her character as a confident diva unafraid to pursue her desires.
Drawing from the success of the Joburg run, Mngxekeza acknowledged her excitement while withholding specific details to preserve the audience’s surprise.
‘My favourite part of the opera is act two and that’s where my character takes her power. I don’t want to overshare and spoil it for the audience. The audience can expect beautiful music,’ she said.
Both performers anticipated the Cape Town audience’s reception, hoping for a positive experience in their hometown. Mngxekeza conveyed her character’s journey of empowerment, urging the audience to grasp that aspirations can indeed transform into reality.
Set to grace the Artscape Opera House stage from 12 to 17 September 2023, tickets to TOSCA range from R180 to R520, available for booking through Computicket at 021 421 7695.
Details:
- Running dates: 12 to 17 September
- Location: Artscape Theatre Centre | D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town
- Tickets: Book
- Contact: 021 421 7695
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Picture: Cape Town Opera / Facebook
