Details

An operatic divertissement to be performed in an abridged version of Moliere's comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Both pignant and comic, Ariadne auf Naxos is an opera within an opera. The curtain opens on a Viennese salon where preparations are being made for a performance of an opera. There is consternation when the Major Domo (Chied Butler) announces that due to time pressure, a harlequin troupe will be performing comedy during the opera itself. The conflicting scenarios and contrasting characters reveal what happens when stand-up comedy meets Greek tragedy and music hall meets high art. Sung in German with English surtitles. Approx running time 2 hrs 30 mins

Cast/Performers

Alice Coote (Composer - except Dec 7), Janice Watson (Ariadne), Peter Hoare (Bacchus), Katarzyna Dondalska (Zerbinetta), Richard Van Allan (Major-Domo), Gerd Grochowski (Music Maker), Brian Galliford (Dancing Master), Gail Pearson (Naiad), Arlene Rolph (Dryad), Elizabeth Donovan (Echo), D'Arcy Bleiker (Harlequin), Andrew Mackenzie-Wicks (Scaramuccio), Tim Mirfin (Truffaldino), Wynne Evans (Brighella)

Creatives/Company

Music: Strauss
Lyrics: Hofmannsthal
Company: Welsh National Opera
Conductor(s): Carlo Rizzi (except Oct 20 / 23 Dec 7), Anthony Negus (Oct 20 / 23 Dec 7)
Director: Neil Armfield
Design: Dale Ferguson
Lighting: Tim Mitchell
Choreographer: Denni Sayers