La Boheme comes to Gauteng
JOBURG - Puccini’s La Bohème, an opera favourite, will be brought to Gauteng by Big Wig Opera on 22 and 24 May, and will be performed by the choir of Parktown's National Children's Theatre.
The children’s choir that performs in the show is made up of participants of the National Children’s Theatre based in Joburg North, and the adult chorus is made up of Big Wig Opera’s own opera chorus.
This opera will be performed with piano accompaniment by Eugene Joubert and conducted by Graham Scott.
In an attempt to stay true to its mission to produce ‘Real Opera for Real People’, Big Wig Opera has partnered with the South African National Tuberculosis Association (Santa) to create awareness for this very real condition that affects millions of South Africans.
The tale of La Bohème follows the journey of a seamstress, Mimi. She must fight a terrible battle against tuberculosis, with the audience waiting in anticipation to see whether she beats the illness or not.
“Through partnering with Santa we hope to make Gauteng opera-lovers aware of the symptoms of the condition and that it can be successfully treated,” said director of the show, Elizabeth Lombard.
“Through our Youth Audience Development Programme we intend to educate around 300 school children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, who will be invited to attend the opera, not only about tuberculosis but also about the various careers available in the entertainment industry specifically related to opera.”
Funds raised will be used to provide a meal to each of the 300 school children on the evening of their attendance and pay for buses to transport the children from their various townships to the Roodepoort Theatre.
The show will be on at the Roodepoort Theatre on 22 and 24 May.
Details: 0861 670 670; www.bigwigopera.com
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