Aida Abridged at theatre
SANDTON – The unique take of the opera classic will delight both young and old audiences.
The Auto and General Theatre on the Square in Sandton hosted the premiere of its new show Aida Abridged.
The production is an adapted version of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera of the same name. Verdi’s most famous opera, which is typically staged with 200 singers, has been adapted into a performance with a cast of two, with an accompanying pianist. The performance will be directed by Greg Homann with Clint Lesch and Len-Barry Simons performing alongside pianist Wessel Odendall.
The unique staging and the vocal talent from Homann and Lesch will provide a fresh take on the classic opera. The dynamic and versatile duo of Lesch and Simons have worked with Homann to create an entirely original and unique piece of theatre.
Homann said, “Our production is best described as a musical comedy – it’s not the dramatic opera it once was.”
He added, “We are not doing Verdi in any purist way, but we are paying homage to the original work by playing with it to create this entertaining and stripped down version of the original.”
The theatrical staging makes use of hat-stands, cleverly chosen props, and a large roll of brown paper to create the world of the story. This includes an adaption of the famous Triumphal March where the two actors attempt to bring ancient Egypt onto the stage.
Aida Abridged premiered on the Fringe at the National Arts Festival last year where it delighted young and old audiences. The new production at Sandton’s Auto & General Theatre on the Square promises to delight music, theatre and comedy lovers.
The show will run until 31 January at the Auto and General Theatre on the Square. Tickets are available on www.theatreonthesquare.co.za
