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Thoughtful Engagement
Monteverdi's 'Coronation of Poppaea',
reviewed by MIKE WHEELER
What on earth are we to make of Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea, in which two of opera's most unpleasant, ruthlessly self-obsessed characters trample on whoever stands in the way of their pursuit of power, wealth and each other, and come out on top? Well, satirical black comedy is one possible approach, as suggested by Tim Albery's new production for Opera North (Theatre Royal, Nottingham, UK, 29 November 2014).
Designer Hannah Clark dressed the cast in early 1960s chic, prompting memories of the Profumo scandal that brought down the government of the day — this lot would have been all over the front page of Private Eye for weeks...
Copyright © 10 December 2014
Mike Wheeler,
Derby UK
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