New Zealand Opera Explores The Seediest Side Of "Don Giovanni"

"Almost done with this pole dance, but first....let me take a selfie"
(Photo: Stacy Squires/Fairfax)

"New Zealand Opera's production of Mozart's Don Giovanni opened its Auckland season on Thursday and had already courted a little bit of controversy as to its staging. Not the stuffy, fusty 18th Century costumes and street scenes for this production directed by Sara Brodie. Rather, the setting is in a seedy, dingy Spanish nightclub, completely devoid of any sophistication whatsoever. There are poledancers and a DJ in residence and smartphones, and selfies are taken. Apparently, there's some substance abuse as well although I have to say I missed that. But you get the idea. Not surprisingly, this has detracted from the other, arguably more important elements. How's the music, for starters? Were there any sacrifices made to the plot or libretto to accommodate the setting? And was it any good at all? The good news is that the music is good and it is a pretty decent production. While some might argue that some of the traditional elements to the story are reworked to suit the setting, the sets, created by designer John Verryt, are dynamic and up to the usual high standard we have become

Hell Hath No Fury: Anna Leese stars as Donna Elvira
(Photo: Mark Stone)

accustomed to with a New Zealand Opera production. NZO's music director Wyn Davies and the Auckland Philharmonia give their customary quality performance. And, most importantly, the cast is vocally strong. The two standouts in the cast have to be New Zealand soprano Anna Leese as Donna Elvira, one of Giovanni's victims, and Australian bass baritone Warwick Fyfe as Giovanni's long-suffering manservant Leporello." [Source]

Anna Leese Steals Show in Opera Holland Park "L'Amico Fritz"

"As Fritz, Eric Margiore sometimes feels underpowered, although his voice is pleasing enough in tone. His handsome, innocent features make us warm to the character instantly, although there is something two-dimensional about his emotions, so that we never really get behind his reasons for rejecting marriage so vehemently. Overall, Margiore proves a competent rather than brilliant actor, and too many of his gestures verge on the melodramatic when it should be the music’s job to hint at what the character is truly feeling. David Stephenson proves a sturdy and effective Rabbi, while Patricia Orr is an all understanding Beppe. The Opera Holland Park Chorus contributes some beautiful off-stage singing, but it is Anna Leese’s Suzel that steals the night. Like the cherries she sings of, at their perfect moment of ripeness, her voice is sweet, rich, succulent and a sheer joy to experience. She also proves a fine actor as she conveys by turns innocence, tenderness, irritation, fear, sadness and ultimately love. The chemistry between her and Margiore is sometimes lacking, but the vocal performances of both ensure that the ‘Cherry Duet’ prevails handsomely." [Source]

Listen to excerpts of Anna Leese in her Debut Recital released on EMI in 2008, by clicking here. The recording features works of Manuel De Falla, Richard Strauss, Johannes Brahms, Herbert Hughes, Hubert Parry, Arthur Somervell, Herbert Howells and Peter Warlock.