Preview-Duetto-Aurora Theatre
25-6-13
By: Meaghan McGurgan
Fans of Italian theatre in town should be pleased to hear that the Italian Chamber of Commerce’s annual production will be opening this week at the Fringe Club. Over the past four years the Chamber has been dedicated to promoting Italian culture in Hong Kong. They produced works by Pirandello, Dario Fo and an adaption of Filumena last year. This year’s play should be even more exciting for fans of local work as it’s a world premiere play by a local playwright.
Peter Gordon has adapted two classic Italian operas into one-act plays and set them in Hong Kong. “Anyone from Hong who sees either of these two operas will recognize them as quintessentially Hong Kong stories, the sorts of things we gossip about or read in the newspaper. I wanted to make these stories accessible to people who don’t
know Italian or who may not be opera-goers.”
Director Nicole Garbellini says “I hope audiences will see that opera is not boring. That the situations presented in both these stories hold relevance in today’s Hong Kong.” New work should always be celebrated although it doesn’t come without its challenges. “Working on a new play is always interesting but it’s fun to know that you’re the first one to do it,” adds Brad Powers.
The two operas that were adapted were La Serva Padrona by Pergolisi and Gianni Schicchi by Puccini. Both operas borrow acting styles and characters from Italian Commedia D’ell Arte, which uses classical stock characters such as Columbina and Pantalone to help carry the story to a wider range of audience. The art of Commedia may have started in 14th century Italy but has been a long lasting art form. You can even sees glimpses of the characters in modern TV shows like The Flintstones or Scrubs. You might want to read up on your Commedia before attending to really get the best experience. Here’s our favorite Commedia resource!
Audience members that are common attendees will be happy to see both town favorites and new gems among the cast. Nicole Garbellini who often frequents the stage as an actress has taken on Duetto as her directorial debut. “It’s been a challenge but I’ve learned a lot. I’ve also had a great cast.”
David Janke and Annabel Lam are new to Hong Kong’s stage and are having lots of fun as the lovers. “I’m having fun!” says Lam. “I’m just in it for the free espresso...” jokes Janke. From the snippets we’ve seen of Duetto, audience members should definitely not be late for Act One as Janke’s take on Victor in The Maid Made Mistress comes with a big surprise in it. Lam is also very cute as the ever annoying and naive Lauretta in Johnny Xi. It’s nice to see the Chinese and English speaking community come together for a production and I personally enjoy seeing new faces grace our stages. (Not that I don't love repeat performers...)
This play is mainly produced in English. Garbellini puts it, “We’d love to do a full production in Italian but the audience just isn’t there...” But fear not, Italian audience members! It also has touches of your native tongue and Putonghua to reflect the melting pot of Hong Kong.
Whether you’re a fan of classical opera, classical comedy or new writing, you should appreciate what the cast and crew of Duetto are trying to achieve. Cast members include: Christine Jagolino, David Janke, Annabel Lam, Susan Lavender, David Ogilvie, Jeremy Payne, Brad Powers, Neil Runcieman and Toh Han Shih.
“I think it’s a great play to come see because it’s funny, it’s family friendly and it’s just plain fun” Garbellini pipes in excitedly during our interview. “After doing Judas, I just wanted to do something fun.”
So if you’re looking for a piece of theatre to go and have a laugh with you should go check out Duetto. It’s being produced by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Aurora Theatre and Lavender Blue Services and will be opening on Wednesday at 7:30. There are ticket discounts for Fringe Club members, students, elderly and persons with disabilities. You can purchase tickets through HKticketing.
Duetto is also the current giveaway on HKELD. You can enter here to win two tickets to their Saturday matinee at 2pm. Winner to be announced tomorrow, so you still have time to enter! What do you have to lose?
Duetto is playing at the Fringe Club June 26th through 29th at 7:30pm. There is a Saturday matinee at 2pm. For more information, click here.
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