La Traviata

Robert Gleadow as Dr. Grenvil and Ekaterina Siurina as Violetta in the COC’s La Traviata, 2015. Photo: Michael Cooper.

The Canadian Opera Company’s current production of Vardi’s La Traviata welcomes audiences back to the COC in extraordinary fashion. Now playing at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, this engaging piece overflows with Parisian decadence. 

La Traviata follows the extravagant yet hollow life of Violetta (Ekaterina Siurina), a courtesan living in Paris. Lively in spirit, she is the life the party, representing all the excess that the Paris night life has to offer. However, not all is as it seems. While she is vivacious and full of joie de vivre, her health is fragile and her lifestyle has left her compromised. To deal with her situation Violetta vows to revel in life’s pleasures until her last day, exploring all the indulgences life has to offer. She is actively ignoring the undeniable reality that her friendships are fleeting and, while she is surrounded by admirers now, once she is no longer the life of the party she will be alone.

Enter Alfredo (Charles Castronovo), a naïve, hopeless romantic who has fallen in love with the tragedy that is Violetta. Wise to the ways of the world, Violetta cautions his love, believing that love is impossible given the harsh world they live in. Eventually, she gives in and Alfredo attempts to remove Violetta from her world of indulgence to a place where can will rely only on each other, isolated in their love. Essentially the two are running from fate. But society’s disapproving gaze still finds them and they are judged under a harsh light, torn apart, and forced to sacrifice. The opera examines the role society plays in restricting the path of an individual. Society as a whole takes extreme licence, passing judgments on shortcomings and offering no accountability to the surrounding circumstances that require an individual to choose between survival and social acceptance.

Of particular note is the excellent costume and puppetry work of designer Cait O’Connor. Rich and visually stunning, her costumes match the intricacy and ornate beauty of Verdi’s score. Equally powerful is the lighting by designer Marcus Doshi. His design truly bring the party scenes to life, offering audiences the illusion of scale far grander than the stage would naturally allow.

Performances to note: Quinn Kelsey’s performance as Giorgio Germont. In this role Kelsey’s character endures a significant transition as demonstrated by his evolving, movements, tone and demeanor. His performance is a joy to watch and he is clearly an audience favourite. Also, Siurina is stunning as Violetta. Vivacious and fragile at once, Siurina strikes this fine balance with ease.

An engaging piece from start to finish, La Traviata is a must see for both opera newcomers and seasoned aficionados alike. Catch the COC's production until November 6, 2015 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. A reminder to those under 30: The COC offers a great Opera Under 30 Program. Visit coc.ca for more information and to buy tickets.