The Tales of Hoffmann

24, 25, 27, 28, 29 NOVEMBER 2012
Theatre, Artscape
 

Cape Town Opera in collaboration with the UCT Opera school presents

Offenbach’s

The Tales of Hoffmann

(PLEASE NOTE: Parental Guidance is advised)

“Beautiful night, night of love, smile upon our revels”

South African operatic legend Angelo Gobbato directs a new production of Offenbach’s crowning achievement, conducted by Kamal Khan
 

The German Romantic writer E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fantastical stories have inspired a number of stage works, including the beloved ballets The Nutcracker and Coppélia, but none as extravagant as Offenbach’s operatic account of his life. Newly besotted with the actress Stella, Hoffmann entertains his friends with tales of his failed love affairs with three women: a winsome clockwork doll, a frail musician determined to sing herself to death, and a Venetian courtesan to whom he gives his shadow. With spectacular roles for a succession of leading ladies, meltingly lovely numbers including the evergreen ‘Barcarolle’ and sparkling ‘Doll Song’ and plenty of opportunities for spectacular staging, Hoffmann has proved to be Offenbach’s most popular stage work – an eccentric gem which charms the ear and tickles the imagination.

An unfinished masterpiece

Left incomplete at the time of Offenbach’s death, Hoffmann presents unique challenges to scholars, directors and conductors – with no authentic text, interpreters have been free to try out numerous creative ways to make the piece succeed on stage. As a result, listeners and viewers are likely to hear different music in different running orders each time they encounter Hoffmann in the opera house or on a recording!

CONDUCTOR Kamal Khan
DIRECTOR Angelo Gobbato
ORCHESTRA Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
SET/COSTUME DESIGNER Michael Mitchel
LIGHTING DESIGNER Faheem Bardien

 

CAST:

Hoffmann                   Tshepo Moagi , Arthur Swan
Olympia                     Maudee Montierre , Siyasanga Mbuyazwe  (Marie Claire de Villiers)
Giulietta                     Violina Anguelov 
Antonia                      Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi, Linda Nteleza , Siyasanga Mbuyazwe,  (Emily Dangwa)
Nicklausse / Muse      Monique Weiss,  Karin vd Walt , (Vasti  Knoesen)
Lindorff                      Amos Nomnabo,  Thesele Kemani
Coppelius                   Phelo Nodlayiya
Dappertutto                Siyabulela Natlale
Dr Miracle                  Amos Nomnabo, Thesele  , (Phelo Nodlayiya)
Spalanzani                 Thabo Makgola, Michaelangelo  Cloete,
Luther                        Bangani Kubheka
Schlemil                     Riaan Hunter
Andres / Cochenille / Pitichinacchio / Frantz          Siphesihle Mdena, Kwakhanya Mavuka, Xolani Madalane ,
Wilhelm                       Raimondo van Staden
Hermann                     Johannes Slabbert
Nathanaiel                   Makudupanyane  Senaoana
Crespel                       Sandile Sikhosana
Mother’s voice              Pelisa Myendeki, Bongiwe Mapasa , (Danielle Speckman)

Chorus                     
Sopranos
Emily Dangwa
Carmen Kinsey
Victoria Stevens
Aureona Wagenstroom
Nokwanda Bovana
Noluvuyiso Mpofu
Nomsa Mpofu
Kristen Peterssen
Athemkosi Hoyi
Edna Kotze
Yolanda Moya
Litho Nqai

Mezzo Soprano
Pelisa Myendeki
Zolina Ngejane
Marce Underwood
Bongiwe Nakani
Danielle Speckman
Vasti Knoesen
Kim Windvogel
Abongile Fumba
Zion Zuke
Ivana Merkel

Tenor
Lunga Hallam
Levy Segkapane
Thobela Ntshanyana
Makudupanyane Senaoana
Andre Thomas
Michael Tonkin
Xolane Marman
Slovo Magida
Zwakele Tshabalala
Samkelo Matutu
Mixo Mashimbye
Monde Mdingi

Bass
Lizo Thaka
Neil Barry Moss
Sandile Sikhosana
Raimondo van Staden
Riaan Hunter
Johannes Slabbert
Bongani Kubheka
Ayanda Tikolo

Orchestra                 CPO
Conductor                Kamal Khan
Director                   Angelo Gobbato
Designer                  Michael Mitchell
Choreographer         Sean Bovim
Lighting Designer    Faheem Bardien
Assistant Director    Sarah Hill
Stage Manager        Carynn Wolff
Rehearsal  Pianist    Este Visser

*Cape Town Opera reserves the right to change without prior notice.

Concessions:

Pensioners & students: 50% discount on the day of the show with ID at the venue

Block bookings: 10% discount for groups of 8 or more

Schools (ages 5 to 21): 50% discount on the day of the show with ID

Cast subject to change without prior notification

Patrons are kindly reminded to switch off their cellular telephones during performances

The use of cameras or recording equipment is not allowed during the performance

Please note casting and dates are subject to change without prior notice

Discounts not applicable to R100 tickets. Terms and conditions apply.