Cape Town Opera presents ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ in Gobbato’s new setting

Cape Town Opera, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, presents Gaetano Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ at Artscape from 14 to 23 June. The opera will then transfer to the Joburg Theatre for a limited season on 25 July 2024.

Brittany Smith Lucia di Lammermoor — Brittany Smith plays Lucia

Directed by industry legend and Cape Town Opera’s co-founder and Honorary Patron Angelo Gobbato, and with inimitable Kamal Khan conducting the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ is poised to enthral both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers. With its timeless tale of love, betrayal and madness, the opera remains as relevant today as it was when it first premiered in 1835. From the soaring melodies of the famous Mad Scene to the intricate ensemble numbers, ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ is filled with raw emotion and musical brilliance, a true testament to Donizetti’s genius and the enduring power of this thrilling art form.

It is profoundly fitting that Cape Town Opera has come full circle by having Angelo Gobbato return to direct this production, having first directed Lucia di Lammermoor in 1997, two years before the company was officially established as a non-profit entity in 1999.

At the heart of the production lies the tragic heroine Lucia, a role coveted by sopranos for its vocal demands and emotional depth. The cast features a stellar line-up of Cape Town Opera’s acclaimed performers and Chorus.

Lukhanyo Moyake and Brittany Smith Lucia di Lammermoor — Lukhanyo Moyake as Egardo and Brittany Smith as Lucia

Brittany Smith, who recently won a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for her portrayal of Maria in The Sound of Music, brings Lucia to life in all her tragic glory with her radiant soprano voice and compelling stage presence. Smith will perform alongside fellow Cape Town Opera House soloists Lukhanyo Moyake (as Edgardo) and Conroy Scott (as Enrico). CTO Judith Neilson Young Artists include Asisipho Petu and Julia Portela Piñón as Alisa and Lonwabo Mose as Raimondo. Van Wyk Venter is Normanno, and guest artist Sakhumzi Martins sings Arturo.

Designer Michael Mitchell has placed the production in a more present-day setting than its usual Scottish Highlands. The overall look and feel of the set and costumes is modern and contemporary, with Mitchell drawing inspiration from couturier Alexander McQueen for Lucia’s wedding dress. His concept also makes use of projections by Kirsti Cumming. Lighting is by Oliver Hauser, movement direction is by Kirsten Isenberg, and Marvin Kernelle directs the Cape Town Opera Chorus.

Lucia di Lammermoor runs at the Artscape Opera House for five performances only – advance booking is recommended.

Cost: R215 – R900. Pensioner and student discounts are available. Book through Webtickets

When: Fri 14 June, 7pm; Sun 16 June, 3pm; Wed 19 June, 7pm; Fri 21 June, 7pm; Sun 23 June, 3pm
Where: Artscape Opera House, 1 – 10 D.F. Malan St, Foreshore

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