Arabic version: «لا بوهيم» لأوبرا أستراليا توازن بين الاستعراض والعاطفة
According to The Guardian, Constantine Costi’s new Opera Australia production of Puccini’s La Bohème at Melbourne’s Regent theatre turns Paris into a medieval-inspired visual spectacle before ultimately making room for the opera’s emotional force. The review describes the production as a deliberate challenge to the work’s verismo traditions.
Costi directs a cast led by Kang Wang as Rodolfo and Galina Cheplakova as Mimì, the seamstress who becomes Rodolfo’s lover. Luke Gabbedy plays Marcello, while David Parkin appears as Colline and Shane Lowrencev fills in for Stephen Marsh as Schaunard. The review highlights Cheplakova’s performance, including her top register and opening aria, and says she and Wang develop strong chemistry as the story progresses.
Set designer Dann Barber initially confines the artists’ garret to a small box framed by black curtains, reflecting the cramped living conditions of the characters. The production then opens into a larger Parisian setting, with the lovers raised on a timber scaffold over the streets. In the second act, Barber and costume designer Sabina Myers fill the stage with imagery including Virgin Marys, carnival figures, nuns, masks and a giant papier-mâché cardinal.
The Guardian finds that the abundance of design in the café scene can obscure the action, despite references ranging from Chagall to Georges Méliès. However, the final two acts are described as stronger as the visual design recedes. The third act’s winter setting and Rodolfo’s confession to Marcello about Mimì’s condition are singled out, while the closing scenes are said to be carefully calibrated.
Alexandra Flood is praised as Musetta, and Gabbedy is noted for his portrayal of Marcello. Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Finnegan Downie Dear, is described as supple and strong, with notable woodwind playing, while the Opera Australia chorus is characterised as powerful and sonorous. The production runs at Melbourne’s Regent theatre until 18 November, before performances at the Sydney Opera House from 2 January to 17 March.
