The Merry Widow Of Malagawi at Artscape Opera House

The Merry Widow of Malagawi is a light-hearted theatrical and musical exploration of diplomatic intrigue, capitalism and how people protect their wealth and self interests.
The themes prevalent in Lehar’s early 20th century Viennese operetta, Die Lustige Witwe – womens’ suffrage, the growth of industrialism and the movement from rural to urban economies – mirror many contemporary situations on our continent. Acclaimed director Janice Honeyman will give this new production an upbeat and contemporary feel, transferring the story to the upper echelons of society in the fictional African state of Malagawi. Tim Murray will conduct the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, costume designs are by Birrie le Roux, set designs by Michael Mitchell, lighting by Mannie Manim and choreography by Sean Bovim. British soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn noted for her ‘gorgeously toned and rapturous’ singing (The Guardian) will sing the role of Hannah Glawari and South African soprano Filipa van Eck, noted in Opera Magazine for ‘Spirited, playful and technically rock-solid, delicious performance,’ returns from the UK to sing Valencienne.