Lyric Opera of Melbourne will continue its tradition of staging unique and often unconventional performances this April when new work ‘Elle’, built on the music of Francis Poulenc, is brought to Chapel Off Chapel.
A powerful and engaging experience for performer and audiences alike, the one-act production sung in English depicts a woman’s downward emotional trajectory as her relationship comes to an end.
“The production sees us literally sitting in Elle’s bedroom, watching as she tries to keep herself together,” said Nathan Gilkes, director of Lyric Opera of Melbourne.
Elle is based on Jean Cocteau’s one-woman play La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice), set to music by Poulenc in 1959, a compelling piece that presents an intimate look at human nature in emotional crisis. The story is conveyed through a series of telephone conversations as a woman known only as ‘Elle’ ends her affair on the eve of her lover’s wedding to another woman. These tortured conversations, of which we hear only her side, are made even more traumatic due to endless crossed lines and interruptions.
Excerpts from Poulenc’s exquisite chamber music are woven into pauses in the conversation, creating a true ‘chamber opera’ where all performers play an equal role in making the music and bringing the drama to life.
“The beautiful music for solo clarinet and cello that has been interlaced in the score hints at emotions that often cannot be put into words,” said Lyric Opera music director and conductor Pat Miller.
“This is a woman at her most vulnerable, in an opera at its most intimate.”
Lyric Opera continues its dedication to nurturing young performers, with the role of Elle shared between sopranos Julie Torpy and Marilla Holmes. The singers are supported by two of Melbourne’s most talented young chamber musicians, clarinettist Lloyd van’t Hoff and cellist Christopher Howlett, along with head of music, pianist Sarah Cameron.
The production will run from April 18 to 21 with two shows a night at Chapel Off Chapel. Performances will start at 6.30pm and 8.30pm on opening night and at 7.30pm and 9.30pm Friday and Saturday, with tickets priced at $28 for adults and $23 for concession, and a special price of $20 for students. A preview performance will be held on April 17, with all tickets priced at $20, and a 2.00pm matinee performance will be held on Sunday April 21.
For more information and booking details call (03) 8290 7000 or visit www.chapeloffchapel.com.au. Find Chapel Off Chapel at 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran.
For more information on Lyric Opera of Melbourne visit www.lyricopera.com.au
