Not long after it’s debut performance in 1900, critic Joseph Kerman pronounced the opera Tosca, ‘that shabby little shocker’. Tosca has therefore come a long way in 125 years, Oxford Opera Company’s director Katie Blackwell asking ‘how do we build on perfection?’ in the programme at Oxford Playhouse.
However, in terms of its themes of violence, corruption and abuses of power, last night’s performance demonstrates with passion and panache, that very little seems to have changed at all.
Set against a sparse black backdrop, illuminated by three large electrically lit crosses, lovers Tosca (soprano Marlena Devoe) and Caveradossi (tenor Sam Furness) immediately command attention though their onstage presence and wonderfully clear yet soulful voices.
At one point in Act III, while duetting together, the orchestra drops out altogether leaving their voices poignantly exposed only for the music to gently glide in again – a clever idea, marvellously executed.
Their happiness and love can’t last of course, as opera baddie police chief Scarpia struts in to spoil everything with his grotesque and sadistic deeds, Phillip Rhodes very convincing as the tall, dark and malevolent Baron.
At the chilling end of Act I, the electric crosses glow red and the innocent children’s chorus singing the Te Deum fall under his demonic control. Through torture and deceit he continues his march of destruction throughout Act II until the courageous Tosca thwarts his plans.
With vocal performances this strong, superbly supported by a small, tight and efficient orchestra, nothing extra was required of this gripping new English translation by Chris Cowell.
However, the children in the youth choir, commendably selected from local schools and redeployed as a spray-can wielding rebel army at the beginning of Act III, injected youthful optimism and defiance into the proceedings, if slightly slowing the momentum of the story.
Oxford Opera Company at its best.
Edward Bliss
Tosca is at Oxford Playhouse from March 28-29. Book here: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/tosca
