Cape Town Opera (CTO) is thrilled to present the powerful opera Tosca by Puccini to audiences at the Joburg Theatre. The highly anticipated production will grace the Mandela Stage between Friday, 21 and Sunday, 30 July, before heading back to the coast for its September season. Tosca, an opera in three acts, tells the gripping story of Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi, two ill-fated lovers caught in the midst of political turmoil in 1800s Italy.
Against the backdrop of a Roman revolution during the Napoleonic Wars, their tale unfolds as a passionate and turbulent melodrama, exploring themes of love, loss, jealousy, and deception.Directed by CTO’s Artistic Director, Magdalene Minnaar, with set and costume design by Maritha Visagie and Leopold Senekal, movement direction by Fiona du Plooy, and lighting design by Oliver Hauser, this grand-scale opera promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Minnaar says Puccini’s remarkable score showcases his mastery of composition, capturing the profound emotions of humanity through music.
Maestro Adam Szmidt will lead the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, while the Sempre Opera Chorus, under the direction of Paul Ferreira, will add depth and richness to the performance.
Notably, the production features a 24-member children’s chorus, overseen by Elana Neethling, adding an enchanting element to the spectacle.
Headlining the stellar cast in both cities is soprano Nobulumko Mngxekeza, who portrays the fiery Tosca.
“This marks her first production with Cape Town Opera since being appointed as a Soloist last year. Joining her are tenor Lukhanyo Moyake as Cavaradossi, Tosca’s love interest, and the award-winning baritone Conroy Scott as the malicious police Chief Baron Scarpia,” Minnaar explains.
She says the ensemble will also include talented Cape Town Opera Judith Neilson Young Artists, including Lwazi Dlamini as Sciarrone, Van Wyk Venter as Spoletta, and Reuben Mbonambi as the escaped political prisoner Angelotti.
Cape Town Opera’s production seamlessly blends Roman grandeur with contemporary elements, incorporating stunning visuals inspired by the magnificent architecture of the era. The costumes, a fusion of old and new, will captivate audiences with their rich palettes and elegant period designs.
“Prepare to be mesmerized by Tosca, a theatrical masterpiece brimming with drama, intrigue, and mystery,” Minnaar says, expressing gratitude to the Judith Neilson Head Trust for their support of the Johannesburg tour, as well as the Rupert Music Foundation and the City of Cape Town for their contributions to the Artscape season.
Tickets for Tosca at the Joburg Theatre range from R180 to R550 and can be purchased at www.joburgtheatre.com. Please note that parental guidance is advised for this performance.
17/07/2023