State Opera South Australia is set to present Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide next month. This production marks the inaugural Adelaide event under the direction of the company’s newly appointed Artistic Director, Dane Lam.
Così fan tutte, often celebrated for its playful yet insightful exploration of love, features a storyline where lust and loyalty face off in a sumptuous Italian resort setting. Lam shared his personal connection and excitement about leading this production. “This work is so incredibly beautiful. I’ve conducted it several times over my career, and naturally have also worked with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, but to conduct this opera in my first official role with the company is very exciting,” Lam stated.
The opera has been likened to popular television series for its engaging and relatable narrative. “State Opera’s 2023 production of The Marriage of Figaro was compared to an episode of The Office… I’d say Così fan tutte can be likened to White Lotus or Love Island,” Lam explained. He emphasised the production’s broad appeal, suggesting it is a must-see whether one is an opera aficionado or a newcomer.
Joining the creative team is Patrick Nolan, CEO and Artistic Director of Opera Queensland, who makes his directorial debut in Adelaide with this production. Having achieved considerable acclaim from the Brisbane premiere of Così fan tutte in August 2023, Nolan brings his unique vision to the project. “Così fan tutte is the most elusive of all the Mozart/Da Ponte operas. The first act is laugh out loud funny, and in act two we are thrown into a world of rich and complex emotions as the stakes in the game of love are raised and suddenly there is a lot more to lose,” Nolan said. He anticipates that audiences will experience the opera in a novel and engaging manner.
The narrative of Così fan tutte revolves around two young men, Guglielmo and Ferrando, who are persuaded to test their girlfriends’ fidelity, igniting a series of comedic and tumultuous events. Featuring disguises, seductions, and unexpected revelations, the opera delves into the complexities of relationships and the nature of love.
Dane Lam has assembled a remarkable group of Australian performers for this production, including soprano Sky Ingram and mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley as the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella. They are joined by baritone Nicholas Lester and tenor Kyle Stegall as their respective partners. South Australians Ingram and Lester, both of whom have garnered international success from their London bases, will feature prominently in this production. The cast also includes Christopher Hillier and Jessica Dean, who will portray the cynical Don Alfonso and the cunning maid Despina, respectively.
Così fan tutte promises to combine Mozart’s masterful music with a powerful emotional narrative and elaborate staging. Audiences in Adelaide can look forward to an immersive experience filled with humour, drama, and the sublime talents of the cast alongside the State Opera chorus and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
- Thursday 29 August 2024, 7:30PM
- Saturday 31 August 2024, 7:30PM
- Thursday 5 September 2024, 7:30PM
- Saturday 7 September 2024, 2:00PM
LOCATION: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
TICKET PRICING: Premium: $185
A Reserve: Adult $145, Concession $130.5
B Reserve: Adult $115, Concession $103.5
C Reserve: Adult: $75, Concession $67.5
MORE INFO: https://stateopera.com.au/productions/cosi-fan-tutte/
