Photo: Emma Pearson as Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. Credit: James Rogers
After a hiatus of more than three decades, State Opera South Australia announced the return of Donizetti’s celebrated opera, Lucia di Lammermoor, slated for performances this November at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide. This opera marks a significant historical moment as it will be only the second production of its kind by the company.
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor gained iconic status in the opera world largely due to Australian soprano Dame Joan Sutherland. Her performance at Covent Garden in 1959 catapulted her to superstardom, paving the way for her to make this role her trademark. The original staging directed by John Copley in 1986 is now set for a contemporary revival under the direction of Australian director, Laura Hansford.
Director Hansford expressed her deep respect for the original whilst sharing her excitement about rendering a modern outlook on the characters, especially Lucia. “I feel such a huge responsibility to do justice to both Donizetti’s music and Copley’s production,” Hansford remarked. She also touched upon the focal point of the opera, the infamous ‘mad scene’. “The ‘mad scene’ this opera is famous for is the pinnacle of Lucia’s story. I’m interested in a version where instead of pity and horror the audience might find common ground and understand Lucia’s decisions.”
Set against a backdrop of familial discord and devastating manipulation, Lucia di Lammermoor narrates the heart-wrenching story of Lucia. Misled by the male figures in her life and caught in a violent family feud, her tumultuous journey culminates in a striking decision that alters the course of events. Hansford anticipates exploring these dynamic interplays and tragic themes from a distinctly female perspective.
State Opera’s Artistic Director Dane Lam also shared his enthusiasm about reintroducing this operatic gem to Adelaide audiences. “Lucia di Lammermoor is not just a piece of Australian operatic history, but also a masterpiece of bel canto that thrives on its high calibre vocal performances,” Lam stated. He assured that the production features a stellar cast capable of meeting the opera’s demanding vocal and performative requirements.
Leading this ambitious undertaking is soprangle Emma Pearson as Lucia, who garnered widespread praise for her performance in the role with West Australian Opera. She will be joined by Morgan Pearse playing her brother Enrico and newcomer Alok Kumar as the ill-fated lover, Edgardo. Other roles include Pelham Andrews, Iain Henderson, Samantha Rubenhold and Jiacheng Ding, alongside the full ensemble of the State Opera chorus and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Spanish conductor Lucía Marín, renowned for her riveting operatic direction, will make her Australian debut at this event, promising an engaging orchestral interpretation of the score.
Lucia di Lammermoor will be staged over four performances from 8 to 16 November. Tickets are priced starting at $71, with a special rate of $35 for attendees under 30 years of age.
PERFORMANCE & TICKET INFORMATION
Date & Time
Friday 8 November, 7:30pm
Sunday 10 November, 5:00pm
Thursday 14 November, 7:30pm
Saturday 16 November, 7:30pm
Location: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Ticket Costs:
Premium: $189
A Reserve: Adult $149, Concession $134
B Reserve: Adult $119, Concession $107
C Reserve: Adult $79, Concession $71
Under 30: $35
More Information: https://stateopera.com.au/productions/lucia-di-lammermoo
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