Opera UCT, Cape Town Opera to stage reimagined ‘La Traviata’

The Artscape Theatre’s stage will come alive from 26 to 29 October when Opera UCT – the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) opera school – and Cape Town Opera (CTO) collaborate to stage a remake of Verdi’s La Traviata.

The production is directed by acclaimed theatre-maker, designer and playwright Mari Borstlap and conducted by Professor Jeremy Silver, the director of Opera UCT. It features two dynamic casts, which include a mix of talented singers from Opera UCT and CTO.

La Traviata premiered in Venice in 1853; and has since been recognised as one of the world’s most frequently performed operas – featuring prominent arias in the genre. The opera centres the story of Violetta, a glamorous courtesan in 19th century Paris, who falls in love with a young nobleman, Alfredo. They face a myriad of obstacles as their relationship challenges a long list of societal norms.

A star-studded performance

The production features Opera UCT alumni and CTO House soloists Brittany Smith as Violetta, Lukhanyo Moyake as Alfredo, and Conroy Scott as Germont. And the trio will be up against Opera UCT’s rising stars: Ondelwa Martins as Violetta, Sakhumzi Martins as Alfredo and Siphe Kwani as Germont, all of whom are pursuing postgraduate diplomas in music performance.

“Opera UCT’s intensive training is preparing us for the world stages with its unmatched artistry and vocal training.”

“I have never performed the full opera of La Traviata before, but growing up in the local choirs, we used to sing some of the chorus pieces for choir competitions. Opera UCT’s intensive training is preparing us for the world stages with its unmatched artistry and vocal training,” said Kwani.

Borstlap plans to present this much-loved opera through a different lens – and what awaits the audience is a visceral tour de force that will intrigue both opera enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.

Catch La Traviata at the Artscape Theatre from 26 to 29 October. Tickets range from R162 to R520 and are available from Computicket or by calling 021 421 7695.