Thee Black Swan and Kay Hammond’s new opera “Medea Gosperia” takes place July 2 – 20, at the Cockpit Theatre in London. Set against a Caribbean backdrop, “Medea Gosperia” retells Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy through styles of gospel, opera, lovers rock, and jazz. sopranos Natasha Agarwal and Namrata Shah perform the title role (alternating), with tenor Sandeep Gurrapadi as Jason. {…}
(Photo: © Craig Fuller) Opera Holland Park’s last show this summer was Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Ruddigore.” This was their third co-production with G&S specialists, Charles Court Opera, following last year’s “HMS Pinafore.” Again, it is directed by John Savournin, who also plays a leading role, with David Eaton conducting the City of London Sinfonia in one of the duo’s more {…}
(Photo credit: Ali Wright) Georges Bizet’s “Carmen,” after the novella by Prosper Mérimée, is a piece that presents plenty of challenges to audiences today. Some are owing to problematic aspects of the text – stereotyped depictions of the Gypsies in the piece, the spectacle of a murdered woman crowning the action – and others simply the weight of tradition and {…}