The title of Mozart’s famous opera is often translated as “Women are like that.” Two young men are so sure their expectations of eternal faithfulness from their fiancées, they bet against their mentor, whose experience makes him think otherwise. You’ll have to come to the opera to see who wins the wager.
“The story is completely contemporary in setting,” said Theodore Baerg, director. “Relationships haven’t changed much over history. They are as predictable or unpredictable as always.” For that reason, not only is the plot relevant, it can be set at Western today. Familiar local landmarks pop up on stage and smartphones play a role in the miscommunications.
Much comedy ensues as disguises, indiscretions and dual roles are set to the glorious music of Mozart. “Everything works out in the end, but you have to come to find out how,” said Baerg.
One of the distinguishing programs here at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, UWOpera attracts the best students from across the country and around the world. These students, undergraduate and graduate who audition for such productions, are able to make explicit their level of artistry through these performances. The opera is double cast to give more students an opportunity to perform.
Over the years, Cosi fan tutte has been interpreted in many ways, but this is our very own Western version.
If You Go
What: Mozart’s opera Cosi fan tutte
When: Feb. 1, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 2 and 3 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Paul Davenport Theatre, Talbot College, Western University
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors and students; available in advance from the Grand Theatre box office at 519-672-8800 or tickets.grandtheatre.com; or cash at the door.
Media
interviews:
Theodore Baerg, director, at 519-661-2111, ext. 85388 or tbaerg@uwo.ca
Janis Wallace, media relations, at 519-661-3767 or wallacej@uwo.ca
