Mozart’s Don Giovanni – the legendary lothario: Dr Lisa Engelbrecht (musical director and accompanist), Amanda Meke (Zerlina), Goitsemang Lehobye (Donna Elvira), Johannes Slabbert (Don Giovanni), Raimondo von Staden (Leporello and re-staging director), Maudee Montierre (Donna Anna), Martin Mkhize (Masetto/Commendadore). Photo credit: Kim Stevens
Musical: Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Theatre: Tricycle Theatre
Writer: Text adapted by Alexander Kuchinka
Re-staging director: Raimondo Viviano van Staden
Musical director and piano accompanist: Dr Lisa Engelbrecht
Review by Ronke Lawal
Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the tale of the tall, dark charismatic lothario who has a lover in every port, has been reimagined and modernised in this new and vibrant tragicomedy.
Set in contemporary South Africa, and performed in both English and Afrikaans, alongside opera sung in Italian, this original stage production boasts just seven soloists and a pianist.
Revolving around the now legendary figure of Don Giovanni (Johannes Slabbert) are scorned female lovers, his loose-lipped servant, murder, revenge and finally retribution.
Disguise and deceit are major themes throughout the production and Don Giovanni’s selfish arrogance leads him on a journey towards self-realisation. The collusive behaviour of each of the supporting characters reflects how he isn’t solely to blame for his often sexual misdeeds.
The staging is sparse and uncomplicated, aided by subtle lighting, which ensures the audience is focused on the action on stage. There are hardly any distracting props as the star is the music.
Raimondo Viviano van Staden’s quality direction ensures fluidity of movement by the performers, who create engaging scenes of sensuality, desire and distress. An added layer of intimacy is present with the performers often referring to the audience. Though not always necessary, it adds to the comedic value of the production.
What lets the production down is the mediocre acting. However, it takes truly exceptional talent to perform the powerful musical renditions while attempting to nail perfect acting. Although there are some funny moments, with the audience interaction offering an element of pantomime-like charm, the show also lacks depth.
Despite the shortcomings of the acting, the musical score is exceptional. The arias are beautifully performed by the cast, accompanied by the talented pianist, DR Lisa Engelbrecht. You don’t need to understand Italian to enjoy each performer. The joyous sounds and passion of each singer are enough to carry you along.
Standout performances include Johannes Slabbert as Don Giovanni. His arrogance and charm are a perfect combination for this passionate part. Soprano Goitsemang Lehobye who plays Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanni’s lovelorn lovers, gives a powerful performance, which lingers long after the production is over.
This multi-layered production, condensed for a contemporary audience, presents complex themes which are difficult to tackle in a 90 minute production, but the Darling Music Experience makes a good effort.
By telling the story in English, with hints of Afrikaans, makes the opera accessible to all, which is commendable. More importantly, the diversity of the cast is beautiful to witness.
Mozart’s Don Giovanni ends its run at Tricycle Theatre on Saturday 11 July 2015.