Cosi Fan Tutte (Opera North), Theatre Royal, Nottingham, 07 and 09 March 2024 (on tour to Theatre Royal, Newcastle, The Lowry Salford Quays and Hull New Theatre till April 6)

5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff.

“Cosi fan tutte: Opera North’s revival has lost none of its freshness – or ambiguity.”

You have to be good to survive in opera’s competitive world – and Opera North’s production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte has been one of the great survivors over the last twenty years. Like those comets which revisit us from deep within the solar system, it continues to shine light on its observers.

The opera is one of The Enlightenment’s artistic gems, its blend of intellect and emotion made visible in Tim Albery’s production by setting it within a huge camera obscura, a symbol of 18th century scientific rationality through which you turn the world upside down in order to see it clearly. Designer Tobias Hoheisel’s scientific approach to staging is wittily mirrored on the programme cover (the opera’s title written as a formula) and by the diagram inside it which shows roles and relationships at a glance.

The opera’s plot can be a stumbling-block these days. It tells of two young soldiers who have a bet with a chum of theirs that their girlfriends will remain true to them. They return in disguise, woo each other’s girl – and then find the women aren’t faithful after all. The title (‘All women are the same’) makes it seem as if it’s all the girls’ fault. Perhaps productions should change to Mozart’s subtitle: ‘The School for Lovers’ – because everyone has lessons to learn about human nature.

Like all Mozart’s greatest operas there is no simple dividing line between sparkling comedy and scenes of intense emotional expression. And the ambiguous ending gives an audience much to mull over on their journey home. Cosi contains some of opera’s most beautiful music but there are cruel, disturbing undercurrents lurking just beneath its surface.

Not surprisingly Cosi tests its performers – their voices, acting ability and sheer physical stamina. Opera North has once again assembled a splendid cast. Stepping in at less than 24 hours’ notice (because of illness) Siân Griffiths plays Dorabella, joining Alexandra Lowe as Fiordiligi and their lovers Guglielmo (Henry Neill) and Ferrando (Anthony Gregory). Quirijn de Lang plays the cynical friend Don Alfonso and Gillene Butterfield is Despina, the maid. All six cast members not only command vocal virtuosity but also the acting talent to strike the acute balance between comedy and seriousness, bright sunlight and a darker world which lurks not far away.

Under the insightful direction of conductor Clemens Schuldt, the Orchestra played like angels throughout, unifying Opera North’s searching, thought-provoking production.

Cast

Alexandra Lowe FIORDILIGI, Siân Griffiths DORABELLA, Anthony Gregory FERRANDO, Henry Neill GUGLIELMO, Quirijn de Lang DON ALFONSO, Gillene Butterfield DESPINA

The Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North

Creatives

Clemens Schuldt CONDUCTOR , Tim Albery DIRECTOR, Tobias Hoheisel SET & COSTUME DESIGNER