OPERA: TOSCA

If, sometimes, you get a little weary of seeing the same old (but gorgeous) period sets on the opera stage, then this production of Tosca is a must-see for you. The direction is innovative and exciting, although for die-hard traditionalists, it has proven to be too much of a departure from the norm. As specified by Puccini, Tosca is usually set within the confines of a church, a palace and a castle in Rome. But director Christopher Alden, from the UK’s Opera North, sets the scene in contemporary Italy under the leadership of prime minister Berlusconi and places the entire action in the vestry of a church. The vestry serves as the scene for the studio of Tosca’s lover, the artist Cavaradossi, and it witnesses her rape by the odious police chief Scarpia, and his subsequent murder by Tosca. American soprano Takesha Meshé Kizart is a glorious Tosca, and should not disappoint patrons who were expecting Cheryl Barker in the role. John Wegner as the abhorrent Scarpia somehow manages to hit all the right notes while gorging on a take-away pizza, and Rosario La Spina gives us a emotionally charged performance as Cavaradossi. Would Puccini have approved? I think so.

Until Mar 27, Sydney Opera House, $42-307, 9318 8200 or opera-australia.org.au