NZ Opera Presents: Kátya Kabanová
16th September 2017
ASB Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by David Rowland.
Tonight saw the NZ Opera present its first performance of the 2017 season of Kátya Kabanová. Adapted from the Vincenc Červinkas translation of Alexander Ostrovsky’s play entitled ‘The Storm’ tonight’s performance is a sumptuous feast of stunning multi-media set design and world class performances.
Kátya Kabanová tells the tale of a young woman living in a world of religious based conservatism; trapped in a loveless marriage and consistently tormented by her callous mother-in-law she longs for freedom. The opera is presented in three acts which includes a twenty minute intermission; with a running time of just two hours it manages to pack in an astounding amount of material, which keeps the opera moving at a rather enjoyable pace – a perfect introduction for those new to the operatic world. Kátya Kabanová is performed in Czech with English subtitles.
This contemporary version of Kátya takes it from its original setting of Kalinov, a small Russian settlement and instead places it in the centre of small town 1950’s America where the story translates perfectly. Beginning with one of the most striking openings that New Zealand audiences have ever had the pleasure of viewing, we are presented with a sloping stage that is cloaked in delicate mist and slowly illuminated with projected stars. Our pivotal character of Kátya is found standing alone, barefooted, gazing in wonderment at the heavens above her. Performing for the first time in New Zealand, American soprano Dina Kuznetsova is a breath of fresh air. The entire opera basically revolves around her character and she is often found alone on set; Kuznetsova delivering each and every line with conviction, her stage presence captivating as she embodies the continual swirling emotions of Kátya.
Moving swiftly through the first acts we are introduced to the main characters; the austere Kabanicha, mother-in-law to Kátya played by the wonderful Margaret Medlyn, her downtrodden son and Kátya’s husband Tichon played by New Zealand native (and now based in Brussels) Andrew Glover and the self-important Dikój, Uncle to Kátya’s love interest Boris portrayed by opera veteran Conal Coad. Kátyas only friend and confident, Tichon’s younger adopted sister Varvara is performed by Australian Hayley Sugars also making her debut performance in New Zealand. Cleverly styled to almost mimic the iconic image of ‘Rosie the Riveter’, her costume a subtle nod to the nature of Varvara’s character who embraces the idea of a carefree lifestyle where she embraces her causal relationship with Kudrjas the local science teacher. It is he who first introduces the audience to the beautiful and wild river running through the town, the same wild body of water that soon enough tragically becomes Kátyas final resting place. Varvara’s costume is also a complete juxtaposition to Kátyas soft and feminine delicate pink dress, which denotes her purity and all too often emotional fragility.
Originally a Seattle Opera production, the set pieces are lovingly re-created here and transition smoothly throughout the evening, making for a seamless and simple to follow presentation. As the story unfolds, we watch as Kátya finally concedes to her heart’s desires and passionately embraces Boris in the gardens for which Varvara has not only stolen the key to, but organised the rendezvous itself; a misguided but well-meaning attempt to introduce some happiness into Kátya’s often sorrowful existence. Played by the decidedly handsome Australian born tenor Angus Wood, their voices soar in ecstasy as they declare their love for each other; the pairing of both Wood and Kuznetsova both visually and aurally uplifting and completely compelling.
For the uninitiated, Leoš Janáčeks music may at first sound idiosyncratic; however in the very experienced hands of conductor and self-confessed champion of Janáčeks compositions Wyn Davies it soon consumes you, punctuating crucial scenes with fervour and beauty. Directed by Patrick Nolan, NZ Opera has once again outdone itself with this clever and utterly moving performance.
Were you there at the Opera for this magnificent show? Or have you seen Kátya Kabanová performed somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!