The Walcha Central School Multi Purpose Centre was transformed last week when Co-Opera presented Madama Butterfly to a crowd of 170 people.
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The production fused the joy, beauty and sorrow of Puccini’s masterpiece with the elegance and sophistication of Japanese Kabuki theatre; making elegant use of masks, puppets, exotic costumes and stylised gestural technique to emphasize the ethnic qualities fundamental to the opera. The performance was sung in the original Italian with English subtitles.
Organisers, Walcha Together, said that all involved with the production were happy with the attendance and that plans are under way to bring Co-Opera back to Walcha next year.
Before the performance, musical director Brian Chatterton thanked members of Walcha Together for their hospitality toward the cast and crew.
Co-Opera is a professional touring opera company with a 20 year history of performing in regional and urban Australia.
Madama Butterfly is the second production they have performed in Walcha.
Last year 120 people attended Die Fledermaus in the Walcha MPC and owing to the success of that event and the encouragement of the Walcha Together Group they returned again this year.
“Tourism, Events, Hospitality and Racing Minister and Arts Minister George Souris MP - was the person who secured some funding from the NSW Arts council towards the Walcha event,” said organiser Casper Ozinga.
“He believes (rightly) that regional NSW should have access to “culture” just like our city counter parts.”
The Walcha News will publish more photos from the event in next week’s issue.