'In one of Melbourne's most keenly anticipated opera events of the year, the wait to hear Australia's own Jessica Pratt in La Traviata has been well worth it.' - Theatre People

From legendary European designer Josef Svoboda, comes a towering vision of Verdi’s famous opera, dubbed the ‘Traviata of the mirrors’. Through the extraordinary window of a giant mirror, the audience gazes into the life of the ‘fallen woman’. Violetta Valéry is a celebrated courtesan who must choose between her desire for high society and her longing for love. Australian singing revelation Jessica Pratt brings to life the tragic figure of Violetta, a role often considered the pinnacle of soprano repertoire. 

La traviata is presented by Victorian Opera in association with Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Venue
Her Majesty’s Theatre

Dates
Saturday 17 May, 7.30pm
Tuesday 20 May, 7.30pm
Thursday 22 May, 7.30pm
Saturday 24 May, 7.30pm
Tuesday 27 May, 7.30pm
Thursday 29 May, 7.30pm

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

2 hours and 50 minutes with one interval.

Tactile tour - Saturday 24 May, 6.20pm
Audio described performance - Saturday 24 May, 7.30pm

Conductor Richard Mills
Director & Lighting Designer Henning Brockhaus
Set Designer Josef Svoboda
Costume Designer Giancarlo Colis
Set Designer for New Adaption Benito Leonori
Assistant Director & Choreographer Valentina Escobar

Cast

Violetta Valéry Jessica Pratt
Alfredo Germont Alessandro Scotto di Luzio
Giorgio Germont José Carbó
Flora Bervoix Dimity Shepherd
Gastone de Letorières  Carlos E. Bárcenas
Baron Douphol Nathan Lay
Marchese d’Obigny Jeremy Kleeman
Doctor Grenvil Jerzy Kozlowski 

Victorian Opera Chorus

Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra

Synopsis

Act One 

The courtesan Violetta Valéry hosts a party in her Paris salon, where she is introduced to Alfredo Germont, an admirer. When they are alone, Alfredo confesses his love. At first Violetta protests but then relents and asks him to meet her the following day. After the party, Violetta feels torn between her desire for freedom and love. She chooses freedom and Alfredo can be heard singing outside.

Act Two 

Months later they are living in a country house near Paris. Alfredo discovers that Violetta has been selling her possessions to support their lifestyle. He immediately leaves for Paris to procure funds. Violetta receives a party invitation from her friend Flora. In Alfredo’s absence, his father Giorgio Germont visits to try to persuade Violetta to end the relationship with his son. She relents and writes Alfredo a farewell letter. Alfredo returns and Violetta declares her love before departing for Paris. She attends the party with Barone Douphol, her new lover. Alfredo arrives and challenges the Barone to a game of cards. Alfredo then accuses Violetta of betrayal. Violetta faints and Germont arrives and denounces his son’s behaviour. The Barone challenges Alfredo to a duel.

Act Three 

Six months have passed and Violetta is dying. Germont has written to Violetta to inform her that Alfredo was not injured in the duel, and has told Alfredo about her sacrifice for him. Alfredo, discovering the truth, rushes to her bedside. The lovers plan to leave but after a last resurgence of strength Violetta falls dead at her lover’s feet.

© Dr Sharon Lierse