La Traviata to enchant Duthie Park
27 June 2017
‘A toast to the pleasures of life!’ sings Violetta, her new admirer Alfredo and her party guests in the opening scene of Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata – the production for this year’s BP Big Screens Opera in the Duthie Park.
La traviata, inspired by Alexandre Dumas fils’s play La Dame aux camélias – itself based on the true story of the courtesan Marie Duplessis – is one of the most popular operas, combining drama, profound emotion and wonderful melody.
Aberdeen City Council in partnership with BP and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, will stage the dramatic opera on Tuesday 4 July as part of this summer’s BP Big Screen programme.
The screen will go live at 6.30pm with the curtain up and opera beginning at 7.00pm. The opera will run until approximately 10.30pm with two intervals of 30 mins during the performance. During the interval there will be exclusive backstage footage, interviews and a chance to win DVDs.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “A must-see in many people’s summer diaries, the BP Big Screens are only possible due to the commitment and support from BP.
“It is particularly exciting that this summer, works from The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet will be seen in new locations across the UK including Brighton Marina and Hull as well as returning to such perennial favourites such as Trafalgar Square and Aberdeen.”
Tim Smith, Vice President Communications & External Affairs, BP said: “BP is delighted to once again support the BP Big Screen programme which has brought these free live relays from the Royal Opera House to Aberdeen for more than 10 years. We hope that everyone will have a great evening's entertainment watching one of the most well-known of all operas."
Aberdeen City Council Culture Spokesperson Councillor Marie Boulton said: “I am delighted that BP Big Screens are returning to Aberdeen this year; it’s great to have this opportunity to enjoy opera for free right on our doorstep.
“There is always such a wonderful atmosphere in the park, and whether you’re a big fan of opera or if this would be your first experience of it, I would highly recommend everyone bring their picnic blankets and folding chairs to the Duthie Park to enjoy this enchanting evening.”
La traviata is sung in Italian with English subtitles.
Picnics and portable seating are welcome in the park but no glassware, cans, barbecues or naked flames are allowed. A selection of hot and cold soft drinks and light snacks will be available to purchase.
The alcohol by-law on drinking in public places will be lifted between 6pm and 11pm however alcohol can only be consumed on the main grass area of the Duthie Park.