Photo: supplied
Netia Jones. Photo: Supplied
A new production of Verdi’s Macbeth from NZ Opera moves away from the “Scottishness” of the source material and leans into the psychological and emotional content of the piece as an exploration of human nature.
Directed by Netia Jones, the production borrows from an Italian Horror show aesthetic, and will be staged in an extremely limited palette with cyan and red being the only two colours on set.
A British director, set designer and video artist, Jones has been acclaimed for her innovative multimedia design approach to producing opera.
Macbeth opens in Auckland 21 September then goes on to Wellington and Christchurch. More details here.
Promotion image from NZ Opera's Macbeth Photo: Supplied
Opera singer Phillip Rhodes prepares for Macbeth
Phillip Rhodes Photo: supplied
In 2022, the corrosive nature of power and ambition that's at the heart of Scottish king Macbeth's downfall is as relevant now as it was when Shakespeare wrote the play.
Verdi's opera Macbeth is very true to the Bard's tale of a well-regarded military leader corrupted by his conviction he's destined to become King.
Playing the lead role in NZ Opera's new interpretation of the opera is Kiwi baritone Philip Rhodes, under the direction of Netia Jones and opposite his Lady Macbeth, Amanda Echalaz .
Philip was born in Hawke's Bay and 2005 he won the Lexus Song Quest,
Lynn Freeman first asked him if Macbeth was a role he'd been dreaming of playing?
Phillip Rhodes takes to the stage of Auckland's Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on the 21st of September as Macbeth for premiere of this NZ Opera production, followed by performances in Wellington and Christchurch.
Photo: supplied
