Cosi fan tutte

From its hilariously amazing premiere at the Burgtheater in Vienna in January 1790, Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte has come a long way. It has adapted and evolved in interesting ways over the centuries, still managing to captivate audiences across the globe with 18th Century Viennese humor! Although it was not performed for a brief period from the mid-19th to the early 20th century owing to its themes being labeled ‘vulgar’ and ‘immoral’, the opera regained its place as an enjoyable and frequently performed piece after World War II. Knighted in 2012 for his contribution to opera, Sir David McVicar holds a place amongst the finest directors of the modern era. His repertoire of successful productions include Anna Bolena, Faust, Don Giovanni, and many other well-known compositions performed at some of the most prestigious venues around the world. He has been nominated for the Opera Olivier Award and won numerous awards including the South Bank Show Award and the Le Grand Prix de la Musique du Syndicat de la Critique. He is joined by an expert set and costume-designer Moritz Junge and an immensely talented troupe of artists including Jane Ede and Anna Dowsley.

The Story

When the philosopher Don Alfonso claims that women are fickle, the claim is met with passionate disapproval by his young military friends Ferrando and Guglielmo. Fernando is in love with Dorabella and Guglielmo is in love with Fiordiligi. The two young men agree to Don Alfonso’s wager and proceed to disguise themselves in an attempt to exchange fiancées; an attempt that they are certain will fail. To their disappointment, the two women eventually allow themselves to be wooed by their disguised lovers, thus proving Don Alfonso’s point. A hilarious and timeless comedy, Cosi Fan Tutte is well worth a watch at the Melbourne Arts Centre!

Good For

Lovers of Drama | Fans of Romantic Comedies

Critics Reviews

“A beautiful production where gentle comedy makes way for profound sadness. ”
– Limelight Magazine