Hey guys,
So as usual – here is there is the list of what’s on Odeon cinemas opera-wise in April. Sorry this post comes a bit too late for the first one, but hopefully you’ll still be able to catch a second one. Enjoy!
Met Opera: Madame Butterfly
Naas/Stillorgan/Waterford – Saturday 2nd of April 2016
Running Time: 213 min
One of the defining roles in opera, ‘Madame Butterfly’ is a young geisha who believes that her marriage of convenience to an American navy officer is real love.
Unknown to her, however, her husband intends to leave her as soon as he finds an American wife, as Japanese divorce laws are very lax. He leaves shortly after their wedding, and Butterfly patiently waits years for his return.
Kristine Opolais reprises her acclaimed portrayal of ‘Madama Butterfly’ in Anthony Minghella’s stunning production, which has been hugely popular with audiences since its premiere in 2006.
Met Opera: Roberto Devereux
Naas/Stillorgan/Waterford Saturday April 16th 2016
Running Time: 226 min
The concluding part of Donizetti’s trilogy of operas about Tudor queens, ‘Roberto Devereux’ sees Queen Elizabeth forced to put the title character to death for treason, despite loving him.
Loosely based on true events, Devereux was Elizabeth’s favourite at court before leading a failed coup against the government. The Queen has no choice but to execute him, although she is deeply reluctant to do so.
Tenor Matthew Polenzani plays the title role in David McVicar’s lavish production of ‘Roberto Devereux’, alongside acclaimed soprano Sondra Radvanovsky as Queen Elizabeth.
ROH: Lucia Di Lammermoor
Blanchardstown/Coolock/Limerick/Naas/Waterford/Stillorgan Monday 25th of April
Running Time: 180 min
With her family’s fortune in danger, ‘Lucia Di Lammermoor’ is under pressure to find a suitable husband, but to her brother’s horror she has fallen in love with his enemy.
After her lover Edgardo leaves to fight in France, her brother Enrico quickly arranges for Lucia to be married to Arturo instead. He then tricks Lucia into believing that Edgardo has been unfaithful to her, forcing her to sign the marriage contract.
Following Edgardo’s unexpected return, events hurtle towards their tragic conclusion. This new production of ‘Lucia Di Lammermoor’ is directed by the acclaimed Katie Mitchell (‘Written On Skin’).
Met Opera – Elektra
Naas/ Stillorgan/Waterford – Saturday 30th of April
Running Time: 180 min
Inspired by the Greek tragedy of the same name, ‘Elektra’ depicts the title character’s quest to avenge the murder of her father Agamemnon after the end of the Trojan War.
Matters are complicated by the fact that Agamemnon was murdered by his bloodthirsty wife Klytamnestra, Elektra’s mother, who now rules Mycenae. Matricide is a terrible sin, and Elektra must choose between letting her father lie unavenged or tainting herself with blood-guilt.
Nina Stemme stars as ‘Elektra’ in director Patrice Chereau’s production, alongside legendary mezzo-soprano Waltraud Meier as Klytamnestra.