Macbeth in the jungle

By Simon Holden, 12 March 2015

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Reviewed at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland on 11 March 2015

Verdi, Macbeth (Arr Fabrizio Cassol)

Third World Bunfight

Brett Bailey, Director

Nobulumko Mngxekeza, Lady Macbeth

Owen Metsileng, Macbeth

Otto Maidi, Banquo

Auckland Philharmonia

Thoroughly modern Macbeth in Vancouver

Kevin W Ng, 17th January

Brett Bailey's acclaimed production of Macbeth is unmissable, combining top-notch theatrical and musical values with a disturbingly timely political warning

*****

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Magnifying Glass: a magnificent Les Enfants terribles in Lille

Elena Luporini, 20th March

A new production of Les Enfants terribles at the Opéra de Lille drags the audience into a terribly marvelous labyrinth, courtesy of conductor Virginie Déjos and directors Matthias Piro and Lisa Moro.

*****

Siegfried at the RBO: Kosky and Pappano surprise and delight

David Karlin, 17th March

A revelatory orchestral performance and a cast led by Andreas Schager, Christopher Maltman and Elisabeth Strid make this a Siegfried for the record books.

*****

Opera Australia’s Eugene Onegin shines musically

Sandra Bowdler, 17th March

Eugene Onegin returns to the Sydney Opera house in Kasper Holten’s slightly awkward production but the singing and orchestral playing are exemplary.

****1

Hedging its bets: La finta giardiniera at the Royal College of Music

Dominic Lowe, 16th March

Mozart's teenage comedy is more complicated then Figaro but is easy on the ear, with many opportunities for a young cast to shine.

***11

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.

Macbeth in the jungle at the Auckland Arts Festival