Deception, Discrimination and Destiny: Opera North Returns to The Lowry

Opera North Returns to The Lowry Theatre Alcina

Deception, Discrimination and Destiny: Opera North returns to The Lowry Theatre in Salford, Manchester this March to showcase three productions, Rigoletto, Alcina and Carmen.

Rigoletto

Wednesday, 9 March sees a new production of Verdi’s ground-breaking opera, Rigoletto, in which a father’s quest for vengeance leads inexorably to tragedy. British-Nigerian theatre artist Femi Elufowoju jr makes his opera directing debut with a contemporary production which explores privilege, the power of the curse in African culture, and an individual’s response to being a Black man living in a predominantly white society. Rather than the more traditional physical deformity, it is the paranoia of difference which becomes Rigoletto’s disability and leads to his ultimate downfall.

Rigoletto marks the welcome return to Opera North of American baritone Eric Greene, who takes on the title role, with American soprano Jasmine Habersham making her Company debut as his daughter Gilda. They are joined by Russian tenor Roman Arndt who also appears with Opera North for the first time to sing the predatory Count of Mantua. Opera North Music Director Garry Walker conducts.

Alcina

The company’s first ever production of Handel’s opera Alcina takes to the stage on Friday, 11 March, directed by Tim Albery. A tale of deception and seduction, the opera tells the story of an enchantress who routinely casts spells over her lovers to hold them captive on her island before turning them into rocks, animals and trees once her interest wanes. When she meets the young knight Ruggiero however, she finds herself falling in love for the first time. Will her magical powers be enough to keep him when his fiancée appears on the island looking for her lost beau?

Baroque specialist Laurence Cummings returns to conduct a cast which includes Irish soprano Máire Flavin in the role of Alcina. Ruggiero is sung by American countertenor Patrick Terry, who will be making his Opera North debut alongside Norwegian mezzo-soprano Mari Askvik as Bradamante and British soprano Fflur Wyn as Morgana.

Alcina is notable for being Opera North’s first sustainable mainstage production, following successful trials in utilising reused and recycled sets. Designer Hannah Clark has created the set and costumes using elements from previous productions, as well as sourcing vintage or second-hand costumes and props. Nothing that appears on stage will be newly purchased, and the environmental impact of making and transporting the scenic elements and the wider impacts of the supply chain have all been considered.

Carmen

Completing the season is Edward Dick’s production of Carmen which opened the Company’s autumn season and will return to The Lowry on Thursday 10 March. American mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams returns in the title role with French tenor Sébastien Guèze as Don José. British-Irish soprano Alison Langer sings Don José’s discarded love Micaëla, with Hungarian baritone Gyula Nagy appearing as Escamillo. Antony Hermus, Opera North’s Principal Guest Conductor, takes up the baton. It will play at The Lowry on Thursday 10 March.

Opera North Returns to The Lowry Theatre Alcina

How much are the tickets?

Tickets are priced from £23 to £65.50.

How do I book tickets to watch these shows?

To book tickets please call The Lowry at 08432086000 or via their website here.

Performance diary – The Lowry, Salford Quays

All performances start at 7.00pm on the following days:

Wed 9 Mar – Rigoletto

Thu 10 Mar – Carmen Signed performance

Fri 11 Mar – Alcina

Sat 12 Mar – Rigoletto Audio-described performance

Following The Lowry, all three productions will tour to Nottingham Theatre Royal and Newcastle Theatre Royal, with performances of Rigoletto and Carmen also planned at Hull New Theatre.

Where will the performance be held?

The Lowry
The Lyric Theatre
Pier 8
The Quays
Salford
M50 3AZ
Manchester
Tel: 0843208 6000

Covid notes:

From Thursday (27 January), they will no long be checking NHS COVID Passes. For the continued protection of their visitors, production companies, staff and volunteers they strongly recommend the wearing of face masks (except for those who are exempt) within the building. This includes during all theatre performances, visits to the gallery and movement around the foyer spaces. Face masks not required when eating or drinking and we sincerely thank all our visitors in advance for their co-operation.
Improved ventilation
Enhanced cleaning protocols
The provision of anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
Contactless payments/tickets
Book With Confidence, Exchange with Ease
Good to Go and See it Safely accreditation
COVID-19 has brought about a number of changes to their operation that will now remain in place for the comfort and safety of staff, artists, and visitors. These include:
It will also be mandatory for all of their staff and volunteers to continue to wear face masks
All of their procedures are designed to keep everyone safe and ensure that all their visitors can enjoy their visit. Please respect their staff/volunteers at all times during your visit as they implement the processes they have put in place to support everyone’s wellbeing.

Other notes:

The Lowry welcomes all visitors regardless of their disability and strives to meet all individuals needs where possible.
They welcome assistance dogs.
The Lowry website is fully accessible and features BrowseAloud. Browsealoud adds speech, reading and translation support, facilitating access and participation for those people who need support reading print, dyslexia, low literacy, mild visual impairments and those with English as a second language. To use this feature, simply click on the grey ear logo located in the footer.
If you are driving to the show, we would recommend for you to park at The Lowry Outlet which is opposite the theatre, but be aware as there is lack of signage from the car park area to the theatre, so best to ask someone or use google maps to find your way.

About The Lowry Theatre

The Lowry is a registered charity committed to using visual and performing arts to enrich people’s lives. They present audiences with a diverse programme of theatre, opera, musicals, dance, music, comedy and visual art as well as events and activities to expand the horizons of audiences and artists alike. At the heart of their work is a commitment to the local communities and young people. Tapping into the work on their ur stages and in their galleries, they offer thousands of free creative participation opportunities each year. They are passionate about nurturing talent, developing creative professionals of the future and raising aspirations.

About Opera North

Opera North is a national opera company based in Leeds, and is a leading UK arts organisation. Rooted in the North of England, international in outlook, they create extraordinary experiences, every day. Their award-winning work tours to theatre stages and concert halls throughout the North and beyond, including to London and major international festivals, and they curate an eclectic artistic programme of gigs, concerts, spoken word and film in the Howard Assembly Room. Their aim is to make bold, innovative, ambitious work and share it in new ways. Opera North believes opera and music is for everyone and champions diversity in artists, repertoire and audiences. Opera North Education connects with communities and inspires each generation, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of people in the communities where we work through arts participation and performance. Opera North is grateful for the generous support of Arts Council England and Leeds City Council, sponsorship from the private sector, trusts and individuals, the Friends of Opera North, the Opera North Future Fund and the box office income from its audiences, which allows us to continue to mount our award-winning work.

Opera North Returns to The Lowry Theatre Alcina