Opera laments the siege of Troy

The University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music is presenting a Greek tragedy this winter with the world premiere of a new opera, Walls of Troy composed by David Griffiths from the Conservatorium of Music with libretto by former staff member John Davies.

Lead roles are taken by Sir Edmund Hillary Scholars, brother and sister combination Jarvis and June Dams alongside Chase Douglas.

Drama, Tragedy and Pathos

Griffiths describes the production as being an evening of drama, tragedy and pathos and says the performance will feature some of the finest talent coming out of the Music School.

“This is the premiere of a new opera with a fantastic story to boot. There is pageantry, a battle scene, dramatic interaction between characters, beautiful solos, fabulous costumes, great lighting and a full orchestra all combining to create a spectacular production.”

Homer's Iliad

Librettist, and former University of Waikato Theatre Studies lecturer, John Davies says the relationships between key players in Homer’s Iliad were what attracted him to the story.

“The Iliad is of course the literary source for a number of dramatic works. This is not my attempt to emulate but rather use these incidents to write about different kinds of relationships.

“What interests me as a storyteller is the unchanging nature of our fundamental tendencies and how we deal with suffering, moral transgression and injustice.”

Walls of Troy opens at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts on Friday September 9, closing on September 13. Tickets are available from www.ticketek.co.nz or in person at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.