We recently attended La Traviata (The Fallen Woman), with a world class soprano and cast,in the comfort of our local Vue Cinema in Westfield London. We know not all cinemas are accessible but if you’re able to get to a Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season, you should, even if you know nothing about opera. We got the chance to experience this ‘high art’ form with the minimum of fuss and expense. We even had our own accessible, ‘royal box’ and our own disabled toilet (fully equipped with grab rails but no toilet roll).
The ‘Party’ Scene in Richard Eyre’s Production of La Traviata. Dark and Debauched, The Gypsy Dancers & La Traviata Have More Integrity Than The Upstanding Members of Paris Society
“‘THE NEW VOICE OF RUSSIA’ AND THE STAR OF THE BOLSHOI THEATRE IN MOSCOW”,
Not only did she sing beautifully but her acting brought the emotion that Verdi wanted from this opera. Knowing the story on which the opera was based, La Dame Aux Camellias, where she dies of consumption, did not stop you entering into the despair and beauty of the piece. I at least had a lump in my throat more than once. Watch her sing the famous ‘Drinking Song’ from La Traviata…………
The other good thing about the screening is that, in this case, Simon Callow interpreted the story and the nuances of the piece in the 20 minute intervals. Time for a drink, a trip to the loo and I didn’t miss his interpretations. We even found out that Verdi lived ‘in sin ‘ with Giuseppina Strepponi who was known for her ‘amorous relationships’ (and many illegitimate children). Something of a defiant stance in moralistic 19th century Italy and gave understanding to the plight of the courtesan, Violetta in La Traviata.
The Acting By Venera Gimadieva, as Violetta Dying of Consumption, Gave you a Lump in the Throat
But we’re getting too high brow – back to basics, the access to Vue was via a lift with a key from the manager and then up to the box with loo next door and 2 plush seats with a wheelchair bay in between. A perfect evening finished off with a meal at Jamies in Westfield, also accessible with a disabled loo. I’m in love with Opera and can’t wait for the next one!
