Marriage can be tricky.

Lust, revenge, deception, and a wedding. It’s amazing what you can pack into a day. 

Mozart’s and Da Ponte’s opera The Marriage of Figaro is one of the most popular and enduring operas ever written. Composed only three years before the French revolution, Mozart takes a play (of the same title, by Beaumarchais) that had been banned on account of its implied subversion of the established order; removes much of the overtly political material; and then deftly weaves an opera in which the women drive the narrative, culminating in aristocrat and servant-swapping clothes. Mozart achieves revolutionary statements on multiple levels much in keeping with Enlightenment ideas about the role of women and men in society and politics. The opera ends with a statement of compassion and forgiveness much needed at the start of the twenty-first century. 

New Zealand Opera has invited director Lindy Hume to create a new production that explores feminist ideas in Mozart’s opera, part of a series that has preoccupied her artistic practice in recent years. Zoe Zeniodi will conduct the opera. Eleanor Bishop will assistant direct. It is anticipated this team will explore Figaro’s potent politics in the rehearsal room, and that it will be a catalyst for conversation on women directors and conductors in opera.

The production will play in its original language (Italian) with English subtitles and will feature the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OPERA?

Pre-show talks are presented by a member of the New Zealand Opera team prior to main scale performances. Guaranteed to enhance your experience, these talks provide a fascinating insight into the history of the opera, the composer, and the production. No registrations necessary, simply come along one hour before your performance time.

A pre-show talk for The Marriage of Figaro will be held one hour before the performance in the Air NZ Foyer on Level 5 of Aotea Centre.