Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1493590
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 FEBRUARY 2023 5 THEATRE The Maltese soloists in Teatru Manoel's historic production of Tosca Tosca, the f irst full opera to be staged at Teatru Manoel post-pandemic, will showcase the talent of four Maltese soloists alongside world-famous ones. Here they share their feelings about the upcoming production and being back on stage after the hiatus FOUR years after the last full opera was staged at Teatru Ma- noel, the national theatre will be co-producing Puccini's Tosca with Valletta Cultural Agency under the direction of interna- tional star José Cura. The return of opera as it was intended to be performed, with costumes, scenery, and the whole libret- to has been eagerly anticipated both by opera aficionados and the artists who had to make do with recordings or concert ver- sions due to the pandemic. Four of these singers will be sharing the stage with interna- tionally acclaimed tenor José Cura, soprano Tanya Ivanova, and baritone Carlos Almaguer. "The magic of being on stage, in costume, with fellow soloists, choir and orchestra is hardly comparable to any other mu- sical experience," shares tenor Albert Buttigieg, who will be playing the role of Sacrestano. "While we tried to soldier on and brought music to the public through recordings during the pandemic, it was a far cry from the excitement of an audience holding its collective breath or laughing at the right time. So it really is a pleasure to be able to convey the magic of this art form to a live audience again." Although Sacrestano only ap- pears in the first act and is not traditionally seen as an essential role to the plot, Buttigieg hints that, under Mro Cura's direc- tion, this production might re- consider the role's importance. "A careful reading and inter- pretation of the script leads to the possibility of a darker, more scheming side to the character than the simpleton we are used to seeing, and we are active- ly working on this possibility," says Buttigieg. Apart from taking on the main role of Mario Cavaradossi, Mro Cura will, in fact, be directing this production of Tosca. The Argentinian tenor is known for his unconventional interpre- tation of various roles, and his direction of Teatru Manoel's comeback opera promises to be just as innovative. "This production will differ from the ones we're used to seeing at the Manoel for various reasons," confirms bass Louis Cassar, who will be playing Angelotti. "Mro Cura's setup is definitely going to be a unique solution, utilising the stage and theatre to its maximum potential, and will definitely offer the audience an alternative presentation, which will be very engaging." This will not be Mro Cura's first appearance on Teatru Ma- noel's stage and some of the cast have already worked with him in the past. Soprano Nadia Vella will be Pastorello, whose famous aria "Io de' sospiri" precedes the moment when an imprisoned Cavaradossi is informed that he has an hour to live. Vella met Mro Cura when she attended his masterclass two years ago. "I remember feeling so incredibly nervous on the first day," she admits. "After all, you never re- ally know what you are going to get when you work with some- one of worldwide fame and suc- cess, but I found him to be re- freshingly honest and down to earth. He spoke his mind while keeping a sense of humour that helped us relax and take his ad- vice on board." The other Maltese soloist is tenor Alan Sciberras, whose character shows up in all three acts and is instrumental in the betrayal of Cavaradossi and Tosca. "My role in this roller coaster story of love, lust, mur- der and political intrigue, will be that of Spoletta, who is a po- lice agent assisting Scarpia, a sa- distic police chief, in the arrest and torture of Mario Cavara- dossi," he explains. "It is a great privilege and honour to be part of this amazing production, alongside world-famous sing- ers and under the direction of Mro Cura himself. I am very ex- cited and enjoying every single second of the rehearsal process since each singer is bringing a different level of experience and expertise, thus creating a truly cohesive and inclusive environ- ment." The Teatru Manoel and Val- letta Cultural Agency co-pro- duction of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca will be performed at Teatru Manoel on 5, 8, 10 and 12 March 2023, with all performances at 7.30pm. This production is suitable for audiences aged 14 and above. Tickets are available via www. teatrumanoel.mt or by email to bookings@teatrumanoel.mt and telephone on (+356) 2124 6389. Alan Sciberras Albert Buttigieg Louis Cassar Nadia Vella