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Meyerbeer: L'Africaine
This was a 1988 revival of a 1971 production that teamed Domingo (Vasco da Gama) and Verrett (Selika - both then very much in their prime) in Meyerbeer's discursive swan-song. Seventeen years on, they are more statuesque than sexy, but both give larger-than-life performances that contain moments of completely thrilling vocalism. The casting is very strong, with the exception of Justino Diaz's Nelusko, which has strong presence but not much vocal allure. As Inez, Vasco da Gama's fiancee and rival for Shirley Verrett, Ruth Ann Swneson sings with great beauty and has impressive stage presence, very much holding her own in the confrontation with Verrett in the last act. Domingo is refulgent of tone and dramatically convincing, and he and Verrett strike sparks. She really comes into her own in one of the most preposterous mad-scenes in all opera, where she is slowly poisoned by the scent of a giant tree, contriving to make this dramatically truthful and even moving.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during the Age of Exploration, 'L'Africaine' tells the story of the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama and his infatuation with the exotic Indian princess Selika. Selika, who is actually a slave from Africa, is brought to India by Da Gama and becomes the object of his obsession. The opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and the clash of cultures as Selika seeks revenge for her enslavement.
Critical Reception
Götz Friedrich's 1988 production of Meyerbeer's 'L'Africaine' for the Deutsche Oper Berlin was noted for its grand scale and visual spectacle, aiming to capture the epic nature of the opera. While the production was praised for its ambition and the strong vocal performances of its lead singers, some critics found the staging occasionally overwhelming and the dramatic pacing uneven, a common critique for Meyerbeer's sprawling works.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its ambitious staging and impressive scale.
Gwyneth Jones delivered a powerful vocal performance as Selika.
Some found the dramatic pacing of the opera to be challenging.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1988 opera production is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
None notable for this specific production.
Fun Fact
Giacomo Meyerbeer's 'L'Africaine' is one of his most performed operas, known for its grand sets and costumes, though it was only staged posthumously and with significant revisions after his death.
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