La Traviata September 3, 2010

Opera Australia’s OzOpera
La traviata
By Guiseppe Verdi
Riverside Theatres
September 3 – September 6
Money makes the world go round
One of the world's most-loved operas, Verdi's La traviata, meaning ‘the fallen woman’, tells the story of the courtesan Violetta, who attempts to escape the shackles of luxury with her young lover, Alfredo. This new production of La traviata, directed by Rachel McDonald is playing at Riverside Theatres from Friday September 3 to Monday September 6 for three performances only.
Money makes the world go round and the audience quickly learns that this is the bleak truth behind Violetta Valery's life of champagne, silk dresses and extravagant parties. No matter how she feels inside, when the music plays and the admirer pays, she must perform. So when she finds herself falling in love, her very livelihood is threatened.
"Oz Opera's first-ever tour of La traviata will appeal to audiences everywhere. It is a powerful story with characters that everyone can relate to - whether they are experiencing opera for the first time or the hundredth" said Director of La traviata, Rachel McDonald.
Much of La traviata's popularity stems from its devastatingly romantic music, which featured in the award-winning films Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Pretty Woman. Set in a fantasy version of Toulouse-Lautrec's 1890s Paris, Oz Opera's stunning new production is fully staged with lavish sets and costumes. The superb cast of ten singers includes Annabelle Chaffey and Leah Thomas in the role of Violetta and Jason Wasley and Ben Rasheed as Alfredo. It is sung in English to make it accessible for all audiences and is accompanied by a chamber orchestra of eleven musicians, conducted by Simon Thew.
“It’s fantastic to host this widely-loved opera. Opera Australia’s OZ Opera continues to do fantastic work and we are greatly looking forward to this season’s La traviata at Riverside Theatres” said Director of Riverside theatres, Robert Love.
The 2010 OZ Opera Tour is supported by Australia Post, Principal Sponsor of OZ Opera. The Australian Government is proud to be associated with this tour through the national performing arts touring program, Playing Australia, which gives Australians across the country the opportunity to see some of our best performing arts. The OZ Opera touring program is supported by funding from The Opera Conference - the national partnership of professional opera companies, which is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory board. OZ Opera is assisted by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
Warning: Contains adult concepts (recommend that children under 16 are accompanied by an adult).
La traviata
at Riverside Theatres, cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta
DATES: September 3-6
TIME: Fri 3 Sep, Sat 4 Sep & Mon 6 Sep at 8pm
TICKET PRICES: Adults $59; Conc $54; 30 and Under $46
BOOKINGS: Riverside Theatres Box Office 8839 3399 or www.riversidetheatres.com.au

Official Website: http://www.riversidetheatres.com.au