Tosca

The remarkable transformation of MCA into a grand opera house truly exceeds expectations. This large-scale production successfully manages to create a quality intimate theatrical experience in this vast space. There is a surprising positioning of the orchestra on an elevated platform behind the singers on stage. This facilitates the magnificent acoustics and provides delightfully unusual glimpses of the orchestra.

The original setting of the story is in Rome over 24 hours in June 1800. However, this production imagines a more recent or even contemporary Rome; the kind we have seen in portrayals such as The Great Beauty (Paolo Sorrentino 2013). This accentuates an opulent, indulgent, and hedonistic Rome and highlights many of the themes of the opera such as paranoia, betrayal and ruthless power plays. The set, lighting and costuming are all exquisite in the creation of this stylish ambience which evokes a noirish mood. There are many moments when the staging creates breath-taking visual imagery. A feature of the set design is a spectacular suspended gilded dome with a stunning painted renaissance fresco. The very clever versatility of the dome contributes to the overall stunning design of the production, making it appear natural and effortless.

The performers are absolutely astonishing, and the power and energy of their voices fills every corner of the auditorium. This is an opera characterised by passionate or extreme emotions as well as sensational music. The complexity of the composition accentuates the drama, and these are all expertly showcased in this production. Karah Son as Tosca brings a great physical energy to her singing and gives Tosca’s persona great volatility. Diego Torre as Cavaradossi produces some of the most superb and tender singing that visibly moves the audience. Robert Hayward as Scarpia brings real depth and deception to the singing and to the villainy of his role. This highlights the often delusive or distorted dynamics between the three characters. This is also seen in the explicit treatment of the violence in this story. The staging does not shy away from the details of the brutality of the sexual violence and torture that occurs in the narrative, and this adds to the extraordinary drama of this tale.

This is a highly refined and enlightening production that takes a bold and fresh approach to this classic opera and creates a performance which is gripping, thrilling and engrossing,

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Jeff Busby