Witness the descent of Maria – a mysterious woman from the slums of Buenos Aires – as she is seduced by the city’s underworld in Victorian Opera’s production of Maria de Buenos Aires.
Composed by the legendary Astor Piazzolla, the ‘tango-operita’ is set in a waterfront bar and follows the mythical story of Maria; a girl “born on a day God was drunk”, who falls into a world of prostitution and tango.
Originally performed in Adelaide by Leigh Warren & Dancers and State Opera of South Australia, this award-winning production of Maria de Buenos Aires has received critical acclaim for its invigorating mix of dance and song.
“Maria’s story is one of myth and magic, and offers audiences one of the most alluring heroines to ever have been portrayed on stage” said Leigh Warren, who directs and choreographs the production.”
“Contemporary society feigns disapproval of the darker side of life, and yet we all desire to experience this world.”
“The audience can do this because Cherie Boogaart, who plays the title role, abandons herself so much to Maria that audiences will question whether they are still in Australia, or a night club in Argentina.”
Images of the underworld of Buenos Aires are conjured through Piazzolla’s fiery music, brought to life by the seductive sounds of Victorian Opera Tango Nuevo Ensemble and led by acclaimed musician James Crabb.
“Piazzolla has brought to life the sultry and dangerous dichotomy of Argentina’s seedy underworld, and beautifully melds the intoxicating sounds of tango and opera,” said James Crabb, who is both conducting and performing with classical accordion for Maria de Buenos Aires.
This is the first time Maria de Buenos Aires has come to Melbourne and is performed in Spanish with surtitles.
Maria de Buenos Aires
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – Melbourne Recital Centre
Season: 21 – 24 August 2013
Bookings: (03) 9699 3333 or online at: www.melbournerecital.com.au
For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au/maria for details.
Image: by Tony Lewis
