Opera, 20, 23, 25 and 27 March 2010

Opera Africa presents Puccini's La Bohème, an opera in Italian with English surtitles, with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Hanli Stapela (Mimi), Stefan Louw (Rudolfo), Aubrey Lodewyk (Marcello), Rouel Beukes (Benoit/Alcindoro), Otto Maidi (Colline), Kelebogile Boikanyo (Musetta), Thabang Senekal (Schaunard), conducted by Timothy Myers, directed by Themi Venturas, Andrew Verster as designer amd Hein de Villiers as artistic director.

The Opera Africa Company will stage Puccini's most popular opera, La Bohème, a bittersweet story of young love and heartbreak, in March 2010.

Puccini's timeless opera, based on Murger's Scenes from Bohemia, paints a nostalgic picture of the carefree and reckless lifestyle of 19th Century bohemian Paris, encompassing romance, drama and beautiful music.

His lush and descriptive music moves from revelry to romance as it carries the story towards its tragic conclusion: Rodolfo the poet, Marcello the painter, Colline the philosopher and Schaunard the musician life a life of cheerful bravado in the face of poverty and despair in an attic in the Latin Quarter of Paris.

When Rodolfo falls in love with the beautiful but ailing Mimi, their tragic love affair becomes an emotional centre, deepening the loves, ambitions and friendships of the entire group.

The production features the finest South African talent on stage with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit.

Conductor Timothy Myers, Artistic Director of North Carolina Opera makes his South African debut - Mr Myers is also known for his engagements with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, New York City Opera and London BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Award-winning theatre director Themi Venturas and renowned painter Andrew Verster, who have directed and designed several Opera Africa touring productions to local and international acclaim, with be the team responsible for the concept and realisation of La Bohème.

Opera
20, 23, 25 and 27 March 2010 at 20h00
Ticket prices: R109, R130, R191, R293 and R365 book now and pay less
CONCESSION INFORMATION

Scholars and students - A 50% reduction on R109 and R130 tickets for all performances. Proof must please be presented i.e. student card or scholar ID, or a letter from the school/university/technicons

Employees of the arts industry (including performers, e.g. actors, dancers, singers etc) - A 30% reduction on R109, R130 and R191 tickets for all performances. Must provide proof of belong to the arts industry

Bookings on or before 20 February 2010 - A 10% reduction on all ticket prices for all performances.

Senior Citizens- A 30% reduction on R109, R130 and R191 tickets for all performances. Must please provide ID

Group bookings of 10+ - A 10% reduction on tickets for all performances

For further information contact Opera Africa 011 883 4189 or info@operaafrica.co.za