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Theatre review: Norma, Leeds Grand Theatre
Annemarie Kremer as Norma
IT’S rare to see a production in which a quartet of quality singers vie for an audience’s attention in such a spectacular way.
But in Christopher Alden’s equally spectacular interpretation of Bellini’s epic we’re presented with a captivating gang of four who really make this an unmissable spectacle
Mexican tenor, Luis Chapa, is breathtaking as Pollione, the lover of Norma, played by a perfectly cast Annemarie Kremer. But the lesser roles of Norma’s rival lover, Adalgisa, and her father, Oroveso, produce no less fantastic performances from Keri Alkema and James Creswell respectively.
The duets between Kremer and Alkema are particularly outstanding, so too is the contribution of Opera North’s chorus who are provided with unusual scope to shine. Though, predictably, it is Kremer’s rendition of Casta Diva which still steals the show – experiencing such a gifted soprano delivering this classic aria should appear on everyone’s top 100 things to do before you die.
The story, which is actually rather too fantastical, is given a more accessible edge by shifting the action from Roman times into the 19th century. As Alden hoped, it also strips some of the luxuriousness which has come to characterise one of opera’s greatest hits.
The set is stark, but deliciously so. Even the lighting is monochrome, but somehow manages to add drama through shadows and silhouettes. Our focus is held by a giant, felled tree resting diagonally across the stage, occasionally being raised and lowered as the action dictates.
Overall this production is comparatively tame, save for one or two necessary, gory moments. This is a surprise given Alden’s somewhat unwarranted controversial reputation.
The director has pulled something truly magnificent out of the bag, though nothing can change the fact that Norma is a long-haul experience which will delight and challenge even veteran opera-goers.
Tonight, Wed and Feb 17, Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, 7.30pm, £8 to £65. Tel: 0844 8482700. www.operanorth.co.uk
Rod McPhee
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