Don Pasquale
*****
Sat 1 Jun, Taliesin, Swansea
Even as someone who knows very little about opera, the Welsh National Opera’s production of Don Pasquale looked to be engaging and accessible. With a set revolving around the title character’s kebab van, this production promised to bring the traditional form right up to the present day and to ‘refresh’ the piece for a modern audience.
This ambition has been admirably achieved by WNO. Don Pasquale has not just been re-imagined but entirely re-written, whilst still remaining true to the original’ s general storyline (in which a slightly rotund patriarch is taught a lesson) and, more importantly, the spirit of the original, which is considered by many to be one of the last ‘opera buffas’ (Italian comic operas). Sung entirely in English, this version features accents and slang terms typical of its urban setting – Cardiff – and other elements which add comedy as well as familiarity: the kebab van, which is later re-done as an organic juice bar; Primark purchases; the millennial stylings of Don’s nephew, Ernesto; the feminist, environmentalist concerns of Ernesto’s love interest, Norina.
In addition to this, there’s the general demeanor of Don’s pal, maverick and mayhem-merchant Malatesta. Oozing charm and slime at the same time, both charismatic and conniving in equal measure, this gender fluid-seeming gentleman was, for me, the highlight of the show. Although every character acted brilliantly and all sang beautifully – this opera is in the ‘bel canto’ tradition, in which the voice is seen as the most important element and is therefore given precedence – Quirijn De Lang as Malatesta was the one whose every nuance of speech and flick of wrist delighted and enthralled. His character was at once a parody and yet utterly familiar, and his portrayal of the rogue was a joy.
All the actors were pitch-perfect, however – these was nothing and no-one in the production which seemed even slightly out of place or jarred even minutely. The set was stylish, fresh and fun; a band onstage who played live music interacted at points with the cast, adding not just excellent ensemble pieces but a lovely sense of intimacy. The issues broached upon in this remake were also highly relevant, addressing the use of plastics, clean eating, veganism, and even touching upon sexual politics.
Anyone who, like myself, isn’t the biggest opera buff, will be pleasantly surprised by Don Pasquale. It’s so easy to enjoy and deliciously ‘low brow’ whilst remaining considered and intelligent. As an overall piece, it is also well-paced, well-written, brilliantly directed, cleverly designed, consistently hilarious, and the actors are all wonderful. It’s a great watch/listen for anyone new to opera as well as more familiar with the form. A real job well done, and a production which proves that Welsh National Opera really are world class. I highly – very highly, in fact – recommend it.
words Mab Jones
Don Pasquale is on tour now. More info here