(Picture caption: Samson Setu plays Orpheus in the upcoming collaborative performance by New Zealand Opera and Black Grace.)
From Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique place in Moana Oceania, (m)Orpheus – a reimagining of Gluck’s dance-opera masterpiece Orpheus and Eurydice – is set to showcase at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre and Wellington’s Opera House next month.
The collaboration, originally scheduled for 2021 and rescheduled due to the pandemic is led by director and choreographer Neil Ieremia (ONZM) an Arts Foundation Laureate and the founding artistic director of Pacific contemporary dance company Black Grace.
Gluck's elegant 18th century account of the Orpheus myth is filled with divine melodies and numerous dance episodes.
The gods agree to let Orpheus rescue his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld, but there is a catch.
To be together again, he must lead her out without turning to look back at her, or she will be lost from him forever.
Orpheus was the first of the great reform operas, and it remains Gluck’s most popular work, and a landmark in operatic history.
Starring Kiwi-Samoan baritone Samson Setu as Orpheus, beloved Aotearoa New Zealand soprano Deborah Wai Kapohe Te Ātihaunui-ā-Papārangi as Eurydice and United Kingdom-based New Zealand-Samoan soprano Madison Nonoa as Amor, New Zealand Opera and Black Grace’s co-production of (m)Orpheus will be performed in English and features a stellar ensemble of Māori and Pacific performers.
Blending rich Pasifika storytelling with the themes of Greek tragedy, (m)Orpheus portrays a young man willing to risk everything for love but unable to find love in himself.
Set in a dislocated future, where Pacific ceremony and traditions are still honoured, Orpheus struggles to come to terms with his loss.
Neil Ieremia says (m)Orpheus represents metamorphosis.
“I was really interested in the concept of transformation and (m)Orpheus is essentially a young man’s journey to recover the finer, feminine side of himself he has lost.
“That is the metaphor behind the love story and in order to do that he has to traverse hell itself.
“That is not too dissimilar from some of the journeys young men go through to reconnect with that feminine power.”
Renowned New Zealand composer Gareth Farr (ONZM) has taken Gluck’s original score - and while the notes are identical - has reorchestrated the entire work.
By using different instruments, many of which did not exist in Gluck’s day, the opera has been transported to a different place and time.
Conductor Marc Taddei, celebrated Music Director of Orchestra Wellington and Vallejo Symphony Orchestra (US), leads a 10-piece modern chamber ensemble for (m)Orpheus, drawn from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington in each city.
Executing Ieremia’s vision is New Zealand's leading scenographer Tracy Grant Lord, who has created a stunning visual feast of Pacific culture and creativity for the set and costumes.
American lighting designer JAX Messenger complete the experienced creative team.
New Zealand Opera General Director Brad Cohen says New Zealand Opera has demonstrated both vision and courage in recent years, developing and presenting opera that is relevant to our time, place and people here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stories are renewed each time they are told, and opera has always relied on the power of the human voice to sing its stories.
New Zealand Opera and Black Grace’s co-production of (m)Orpheus plays at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre from September 6-10 and Wellington’s Opera House, from September 20-23.
Visit the New Zealand Opera website to purchase tickets.