A story that deserves to be told: Isango Ensemble's SS Mendi

By David Karlin, 19 April 2019

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Reviewed at Royal Opera House: Linbury Theatre, London on 18 April 2019

Dyantyis, SS Mendi: Dancing the Death Drill

Isango Ensemble

Mandisi Dyantyis, Conductor

Mark Dornford-May, Director

Lungelo Ngamlana, Choreography

Mannie Manim, Lighting Designer

A Man of Good Hope: powerful and politically charged drama

Timmy Fisher, 16th April

The Insango Ensemble’s fast-paced production is a poingnant reminder of the damage colonialism has inflicted upon Africa

****1

Bang! Mozart's volcano erupts in Opera Holland Park’s Così fan tutte

Peter Quantrill, 28th May

Mount Vesuvius looms over Cecilia Stinton’s compelling new production of Così fan tutte.

****1

Viennese splendour in Garsington’s Rosenkavalier revival

Roy Westbrook, 28th May

Bruno Ravella's splendid 2021 production of Strauss' opera of Viennese manners returns with a fine cast.

****1

A witty hotel Don Giovanni opens Blackwater Valley Festival

Andrew Larkin, 27th May

Tom Creed’s witty production at Lismore Castle delivers strong singing, sharp comedy and lively orchestral playing, even if the opera’s darker supernatural edges are somewhat diminished.

****1

Garsington’s new La traviata ticks every musical and dramatic box

David Karlin, 27th May

Music Director Douglas Boyd conducts a performance of exceptional musical quality, and Louisa Muller's uncontroversial but passionate direction makes this Traviata one for the ages.

*****

Werther revived at San Carlo: an anatomy of emotional isolation

Lorenzo Fiorito, 26th May

Willy Decker’s psychologically intense Werther returns to the Teatro di San Carlo with a deeply human interpretation by Francesco Demuro and refined conducting by Lorenzo Passerini.

*****

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David Karlin

David is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.

A story that deserves to be told: Isango Ensemble's SS Mendi: Dancing the Death Drill