Lucia di Lammermoor

Anna Christy as Lucia in the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor. Photo by Chris Hutcheson.

Grief, desire, madness—Gaetano Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, loosely based on Sir Walter Scott's popular novel The Bride of Lammermoor, makes no apologies in its raw dissection of the human condition.

Now on stage in a compelling new production by the Canadian Opera Company, the story follows a young girl, Lucia (Anna Christy), as she navigates the fine line between the pursuit of her own passions and the political goals of her oddly incestuous brother Enrico (Brian Mulligan).

Lucia has fallen in love with a member of an enemy clan. Her lover, Edgardo (Stephen Costello), is torn as his passion for Lucia is matched in strength by his hatred of her kin. While Lucia’s brother Enrico is solely focused on political gain and restoring the family to greatness via the sacrifice of his sister. His plan is to destroy Edgardo and force Lucia to marry the powerful and well-connected Arturo (Nathaniel Peake), thereby restoring the family name in a time of political uncertainty. These contradicting goals fill each scene with a wonderful dramatic tension that continues to build upon itself until it reaches a vivid climax—Lucia’s famous decent into madness.

Rich with striking gothic imagery, this dark opera invites the observer to examine the choices that are imposed on each of us. The audience is instantly drawn in by various conflicts that emerge as early as the first act. Within the swirling hate that only a mortal enemy can inspire, each character attempts to command the reins of their own fate. Secret rendezvous, hidden marriages, intercepted letters all add the characteristic plot twists that have audiences willing intermission to end just to see how it all unfolds.

A tribute to superb casting, Christy’s Lucia is truly engaging. A soprano with extraordinary vocal talents, Christy also demonstrates formidable acting skills as she rises to the challenge of this demanding role, which requires her character to transition from a place of calm naivety to an almost animalistic madness. Stephen Costello also showcases remarkable skill in his portrayal of Edgardo, a character who is genuinely divided between the pursuit of his true love and settling the scores of vengeance.

Designer Adam Silverman’s stunning use of lighting offers the audience a scene rich with shadows, movement and texture, creating an all-encompassing effect that is an unexpected treat. Featuring exceptional performances, a captivating plot and haunting visuals, Lucia di Lammermoor certainly does not disappoint.

Experience Lucia di Lammermoor until May 24 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit coc.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

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