Rita

by Donizetti, and

Segreto Di Susanna

by Wolf-Ferrari

May 2008

Following its successful production of Cosi fan tutte in December 2007, Rhapsody Opera returned to the artsdepot with a double bill of extremely entertaining operas. Dan Luxon brought his directorial flair and comic creativity to the show whilst eminent pianist Julian Jacobson was directing the music from the piano.

Susanna’s Secret was that she smokes, which for women of the time was exceedingly rare. In consequence her husband, Count Gil assumes she has a lover. As Gil becomes increasingly irate and Susanna ever more confused by her husbands actions, the show gathers momentum through a series of hilarious scenes.

Rita, on the other hand, definitely wore the trousers in this ludicrously comic piece. Opening in the amber glow of a 70s' bordello, Rita dwells on the need to keep a husband in check (with the aid of a sound beating). It is not until her former husband - whom she believed dead - returns, do we see who really thrashes whom!

Download the flyer here.

Download the programme here.