PORGY & BESS
beijing music festival, cape town opera & kt wong foundation . shanghai symphony hall & beijing poly theatre . 2024
This semi-staged production of Gershwin’s iconic American opera recounts the poignant story of Porgy, a disabled beggar, and his love for Bess, a woman grappling with a difficult past. Bess finds herself torn between her growing affection for Porgy, her dependence on her abusive lover Crown, and the temptations offered by the cunning drug dealer Sportin’ Life. Celebrated for its emotional depth, groundbreaking music, and cultural significance, the opera is a moving tale of love, community, faith, struggle, and resilience, offering a powerful portrayal of marginalised lives striving for dignity amidst hardship.
CREATIVE TEAM
conductor : Kazem Abdullah
concept & direction : Noa Naamat
choreography : Jackie Manyaapelo
costume design : Maritha Visagie
projection design : Kirsti Cumming
videography : Jan du Toit
video hair & make-up : Nikkila Mann
lighting design : Rick Fisher
REVIEWS
Porgy and Bess is a triumph of international cooperation and technical expertise. .... The performances, complemented by the creative use of lighting to highlight key moments, captured the emotional depth of the story, while the orchestra played an integral role, interacting with both the singers and the narrative.
Chen Nan, China Daily Hong Kong
Director Noa Naamat's staging softens the opera’s raw portrayal of race, drugs and social struggles, opting instead for a visual poetry of minimalist sets and vibrant costumes. Dynamic lighting shapes this gentler vision, crafting intimate moments that let the performance’s emotional depth shine through.
Dr Dong Yikun, OperaWire