La bohème, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, review: Marina Costa-Jackson proved a rich-voiced Mimì
This stylish Welsh National Opera production of Puccini's 'La Bohème', about a love affair between young poet, Rodolfo and seamstress, Mimi, is directed by Annabel Arden
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The triumph – and drawback – of the ever-popular La bohème is that Puccini appears to magic away harsh realities while grounding the opera within them. His bohemians are frozen in poverty, yet their warm friendships and passionate loves melt the winter snows. Mimì is doomed, yet battles tuberculosis to forgive the distraught, once-jealous Rodolfo.
First seen in 2012, director Annabel Arden’s stylishly framed Welsh National Opera production plays the work’s strongest card in simple storytelling. Set naturalistically in fin de siècle Paris by designer Stephen Brimson Lewis, the result – notwithstanding conductor Manlio Benzi’s at times over-boisterousness from the pit – exudes charm without veering into the sentimental.
The relationships on which the plot turns are enacted with an appealing innocence-cum-knowing in an opera which is, after all, about growing up. While Lauren Fagan’s Musetta runs brassy rings around Gary Griffiths’s brooding Marcello, Marina Costa-Jackson proves a rich-voiced Mimì who defies easy martyrdom. Her Rodolfo, Dominick Chenes, is occasionally brittle of tone, but responds with movingly volatile emotion. Jihoon Kim (Colline) and Gareth Brynmor John (Schaunard) offer stalwart good cheer, but most affecting is the white spotlight which exposes Mimi’s final, utter isolation, lying dead on an otherwise darkened stage.
Until 28 April. Wales Millennium Centre (029 2063 6464) and touring (wno.org.uk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments