La Traviata

BKO continues to impress. As one of a small number of amateur companies, they stand out with their innovative direction and committed performances.

This was a shortened version of the opera, but only those familiar with the opera would have noticed. Conductor, James Penn, had done an excellent job rearranging the music. Surprisingly, the ballet in the third act was included, without the traditional ballet dancers. However, this was given quite a different take with the girls flaying the boys with whips! It worked very well.

Once again, Kate Millett did an excellent job with the direction. The performers were very close to the audience, but never dropped character, and the tension was palpable. For once we had a soprano who looked like she could die of consumption! Ukrainian Rada Tochalna was a vulnerable Violetta, with a powerful voice.

There was lots of chemistry between her and her Alfredo, Patrick MacDevitt. His ringing tenor would have been better suited to a larger venue, but it was a passionate performance. Young Joshua Erdelyi-Gotz became Alfredo’s younger brother instead of father. He has a very promising voice, but perhaps should stick to lighter repertoire at this age. 

Finn Gilheany and Stephen Carolane impressed as Douphol and Gastone, while dramatic mezzo-soprano, Lisa Lally, made quite an impact as the Doctor. The chorus singing was tight.

There were projections on the wall, mainly of budding flowers, which added to the atmosphere and removed the need for sets. The sur-titles appeared above them. Having the female chorus as sex workers was a novel idea.

Having the orchestra at the back at the far end from the stage made for difficulties in coordination, though this improved as they went along.

This relatively new company deserves all the support the public can give.

Graham Ford

Images: Third Life Photography