Inspired by Maria Callas’ 1971 visit to New York’s Juilliard School of Music, Terrence McNally’s Master Class is an insightful look at the life and art of opera’s most beloved and controversial diva.
At the time, Callas’ own career singing on the world’s great stages had drawn to a close, her voice a shadow of its former glory. Six years later, Callas’ death at the age of fifty three sealed her legend as a real life tragic heroine. Master Class sees Callas prod and provoke her students in a searing, funny and touching depiction of a woman who knows what it takes to walk the high wire and the sacrifices required to attain the dream.
Celebrated Greek-Australian performer Maria Mercedes takes on the role of a lifetime as legendary Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas. With leading roles in the Australian premieres of Nine, Sunset Boulevard and Love Never Dies, as well as films such as Head on and Dreams for Life, Mercedes takes on one of the greatest challenges of her career.
“Maria Callas is my dream role”, says Mercedes, “and I couldn’t be more thrilled to honour the life of a woman I admire not only for her incredible artistry and passion, but for the daring, honest way she lived her life.”
Master Class will be staged at Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs for a limited season: 19 – 28 August, and the launching production of new theatre company, Left Bauer Productions.
“Forty years on, Callas’ story as a woman forced to choose between her professional and personal life remains as relevant as ever,” says Cameron Lukey, Artistic Director of the fledgling company.
Director: Daniel Lammin Cast: Maria Mercedes, Cameron Thomas, Georgia Wilkinson, Robert Barbaro, Anna Louise Cole Associate Director: Cameron Lukey Lighting Designer: Brendan Jellie Costume Designer: Owen Phillips Sound Designer: James Hogan Producers: Michele Bauer & Cameron Lukey
Master Class
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 19 – 28 August 2014
Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
For more information, visit: www.leftbauerproductions.com for details.
Image: Maria Mercedes as Maria Callas in Master Class