Opera Australia’s new production of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte is a fun take on a classic, writes Zoya Sheftalovich.

The cast of Cosi fan tutte. (Image: Branco Gaica)

The original Cosi fan tutte, subtitled The School for Lovers, is more than a touch distasteful to modern audiences. The basic premise is, in essence, misogynistic: two young men, Ferrando and Guglielmo, make a bet with the cynical Don Alfonso about the faithfulness of their fiancés. They pretend to go to war, but actually disguise themselves and seduce each other’s lovers, Dorabella and Fiordiligi, with the help of Despina, their hired hand. The moral of the story (and the rough translation of the opera’s title) is woman are like that.

But Opera Australia’s new adaptation of the Mozart classic, skilfully directed by Jim Sharman, is a modern interpretation of the old tale and takes a much lighter, less misogynistic direction.

The young cast of Cosi is full of exuberance, the white sets are light and glittery, and the lessons learned are about men as well as women.

Tenor Henry Choo (Ferrando) and baritone Shane Lowrencev (Guglielmo) don’t miss a note, and show themselves to be proficient actors as well as singers. Soprano Rachelle Durkin provides a depth to the character of Fiordiligi, and Sian Pendry’s Dorabella is sensual and honeyed. Jose Carbo, in the role of Don Alfonso, is more amused than cynical, and Tiffany Speight’s Despina is entertaining and fun.

The audience is made to feel voyeuristic, watching both the unfolding of events in the opera, and a bride and groom who sit at the front of the stage and seem to literally be in a school for lovers. The camera is then turned on the audience by roving cameraman David Ford.

Ralph Myer’s set design is predominantly white, contrasting beautifully with Gabriela Tylesova’s bright, fun costumes. The sexualised props are riotous, made to engage the viewers, and lead to raucous laughs.

A delightful production, AO’s Cosi will engage a younger audience as well as seasoned opera fans.

Cosi fan tutte is showing at the Sydney Opera House until October 29. Tickets $68-$256, child concessions $55. For bookings visit Opera Australia.

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