Romeo and Juliet is known as possibly the most tragic love story of all time – and a touring production of Bellini’s opera is coming to Letchworth this month, for one night only.
Pop-Up Opera’s rendition of I Capuleti e I Montecchi, sung in Italian with English captions, follows the star-crossed lovers as bloody family feuds and hatred compete with their passion.
Unusually, the Pop-Up production features women in both the lead roles, with Flora McIntosh as Romeo and Alice Privett as Juliet.
A review in The Times described the show as ‘a rich riot of violent, straightforward passion and beautiful noise’, ‘true to the composer’s simple romanticism’.
And the emotion of the opera is something everyone can relate to – that’s according to artistic director and co-producer Clementine Lovell.
Asked what audiences could take away from I Capuleti e I Montecchi, she answered: “That opera can be powerful, moving and gripping and does not have to feel aloof and elitist, because it’s about things
we all feel and experience in our lives – jealously, anger, passion, prejudice, love.”
She added: “We create a relaxed environment where the audience feel more free to laugh, cry and cheer. The performers bounce off this and it creates something very special. The intimate scale means audiences can see the emotions on the singers’ faces, and be right up close to the drama.
“Come to our show – you won’t regret it. It’s an affordable way to dip a toe in and many people say they were surprised how much they loved it.
“Opera itself is not stuffy and elitist, it’s more often the attitudes that surround it. Give it a shot.”
The show’s on Saturday, March 18, from 7.30pm at the Spirella Ballroom, and lasts an hour and 45 minutes, plus interval. Tickets £20, £16 for concessions
For more see popupopera.co.uk, or facebook.com/popupopera, or follow @PopupOperaUK.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here