Liepāja Theatre to Host Operetta and Musical Theatre Productions “Masterclass” and “Parisian Bohemia”
On 23 and 25 October, Liepāja Theatre will host two Operetta and Musical Theatre productions: the play “Masterclass” about Maria Callas and the eco-fashion operetta “Parisian Bohemia”. Opera singer and director Sonora Vaice is involved in both.
Liepāja Theatre will host two productions by the Operetta and Musical Theatre on 23 and 25 October: Terrence McNally’s dramatic play “Masterclass” and the new eco-fashion operetta “Parisian Bohemia”. The first tells of the life of world-famous opera diva Maria Callas, the second of the romantic adventures of artists in Montmartre, the Paris artists’ quarter. In an interview, opera singer and director Sonora Vaice and the theatre’s founder and creative director Agija Ozoliņa-Kozlovska discussed both shows.
“Masterclass”
The play is set in a masterclass where Callas works with young singers. During the lessons, her memories of career successes, love and painful losses come to the surface. Vaice, who plays Callas, says it is her first role in dramatic theatre. According to her, McNally used quotes from Callas’s documentary interviews in the play. Vaice describes Callas as a demanding, at times harsh and ironic teacher whose demands have a basis, yet behind the sternness a vulnerable woman is revealed. The production also has humour, and Vaice says it is understandable even to audiences unfamiliar with Callas’s biography.
“Parisian Bohemia”
The operetta, which premiered on 1 October, features music by Imre Kálmán. It was inspired by his operetta “The Violet of Montmartre”. Director Vaice saw parallels with nature and insect behaviour in the libretto, while the haute couture aesthetic is seen in costumes by designer Elīna Milta-Niedrāja. Jazz pianist and composer Madars Kalniņš created new jazz arrangements of Kálmán’s melodies, and the musical director and conductor is Atvars Lakstīgala.
In Liepāja, the soloists will be Anta Jankovska (Italy), Anastasija Dolgoņenko, Dainis Skutelis, Nauris Indzeris, Juris Jope and other artists, along with dancers, a choir and musicians. Ozoliņa-Kozlovska recommends attending both shows, as they offer different theatre experiences. Tickets are available through Biļešu Paradīze.
