Mayflower Theatre – until 20th March 2024
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Director Olivia Fuchs has taken on one the most complex operas of the 20th century, combining the genre’s of opera and circus, to create a unique performance that has to be seen to be believed. The score is considered to be Britten’s masterpiece and is brought to life by conductor Leo Hussein.
A dark story of loss and obsession, lead tenor Marc Le Broc (Gustav Von Aschenbach) takes us on a journey, through the torment and change in Aschenbach’s search for inspiration. Having lost his creative flow, the acclaimed author flees to Venice. Le Broc (Aschenbach) begins as the embodiment of an upright, calm and controlled German citizen, his body language and musical tone perfectly capturing the change as he falls into an obsessive malady, chaos gradually taking over. The focus of his obsession, Tadzio, is played by NoFit Circus member Antony Cesar, a beautiful golden youth that never speaks or barely notices Aschenbach. Cesar’s (Tadzio) exceptional skill and strength takes your breath away, combining the art of dance and circus to deliver his story.
The many layers of the piece are delivered by the commanding voices of fellow tenors Roderick Williams and Timothy Morgan. Alongside the ensemble, showing you the darker side of Venetian life and the grip of the plague that eventually takes the life of Aschenbach (Le Broc). Combined with the deliciously fluid performance by NoFit Circus, the two genres fit strangely well together.
The stripped back set and use of projected images cleverly creates the atmosphere and illusion of Venice. You can focus on the performers without distraction. The final scene is exquisite, depicting the moment when Tadzio swims out into a perfect azure sea, seemingly beckoning Aschenbach to join him and Aschenbach finally dies.
Britten himself was dying when he wrote this piece and it is thought he poured himself into the story. Not an opera for the faint-hearted, certainly one that captivates until the very end.