La Traviata

Coliseum, London WC2

4/5

LA TRAVIATA by Giuseppe Verdi is one of opera’s most compelling stories of ill-fated love. 

In it, the middle-class Alfredo Germont falls for the pure-hearted Parisian courtesan Violetta Valery. 

But, of course, their love dares to challenge mid-19th century bourgeois convention and is predictably doomed. 

Valery gives up all expectation of personal fulfilment to ensure that Germont’s good name remains unblemished.

The revival of this great tragedy at English National Opera is nothing short of a delight. 

A production by Peter Konwitschny — first staged as part of the Verdi bicentenary celebrations in 2013 and restaged here by Mika Blauensteiner — it is unapologetically dramatic and its impact is enhanced immeasurably by being played through without an interval.

Ben Johnson takes on the role of Alfredo with pizzazz, though his voice could at times be more imposing. That impression might be because the role of Violetta is played by young soprano Elizabeth Zharoff, making her ENO debut, who is a powerhouse of sound.

Yet, perhaps due to her age and enthusiasm, Zharoff is slightly too sharp in the tender duet Un di felice etera, an opera-buff favourite.

The staging, minimalistic and impressive, makes full use of the Coliseum’s cavernous stage.

 Blacks and reds dominate the design, emphasising the fact that this is not only a story of love and lust but also of debauchery, jealousy and death.

Each phase of Violetta and Alfredo’s love, at the centre of a society in decay, is marked by a series of ever-decreasing curtains until, in the final act, the protagonists are alone in the middle of an empty space. A memorable image, typical of this wonderful production. 

And, with ticket prices starting at £12, this is most certainly an opera which merits being seen by a wider audience.

Don’t miss.

Runs until March 13, box office: eno.org