The first of three performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Macbeth will be staged on Friday at the square of the Mediaeval Castle in Paphos, in the context of the 21st Pafos Aphrodite Festival.
More performances will follow on August 31 and September 1, in a production by the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus.
Τhe dramatic opera Macbeth (Macbetto) by Giuseppe Verdi, based on William Shakespeare’s homonymous drama, consists of four acts with an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Paphos Mayor and President of the Board of Paphos Aphrodite Festival Phedonas Phedonos, said that the unique atmosphere prevailing in the castle, the impressive sets and the talented actors of Bolshoi Theatre will all contribute in an extraordinary cultural product.
Paphos Aphrodite Festival is now considered among Cyprus’ major events and its long course proves its role in the country’s cultural life, he added.
The Minister of Education and Culture was represented by Senior Cultural Officer Elena Theodoulou, who referred to the festival’s important cultural and artistic imprint, while noting its contribution to culture-oriented tourism to Cyprus.
The production’s Artistic Director is Vladimir Gridiushko, the orchestra is conducted by Viktor Ploskina and the Chorus Master is Nina Lomanovich.
Stage Director is Mikhail Pandzhavidze. Macbeth is played by baritone Stanislav Trifonov and Vladimir Gromov while soprano Ekaterina Golovleva and Nina Scharubina play Lady Macbeth. They are joined by Andrei Valentii as Banquo, Aleksey Mikutel as Macduff, and Ihar Matskevich, Ivan Savenkov and Dzmitry Shemet as Witches.
The plot of the opera unfolds in 11th century Scotland and narrates the rising of general Macbeth to the throne of Scotland after he murders king Duncan and general Banquo. Accomplice and instigator of the criminal acts is Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth. In the end, she commits suicide burdened by guilt and he is killed in battle by noble Macduff who defends Malcolm’s (Duncan`s son) rightful claim to the throne.
During the three days of the performances between 6.00 pm and 8.30 pm the circulation of vehicles will be prohibited to non-opera ticket holders along Apostolou Pavlou avenue up to Pafias Aphrodites street, along Leda street, along Alkminis street up to Theoskepasti Church, along Artemidos street, along Dionysou street and along Poseidonos avenue up to Iasonos street. All performances begin at 8.00 pm.
(Cyprus News Agency)
