Victorian Opera Stages Australian Premiere of Sondheim's Follies

Victorian Opera Stages Australian Premiere of Sondheim's Follies

smh.com.au

Victorian Opera Stages Australian Premiere of Sondheim's Follies

Victorian Opera presents the Australian premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Follies, a musical exploring memory and regret through the intertwining performances of veteran and young actors at the Palais Theatre from February 1-6.

English
Australia
Arts And CultureEntertainmentMusical TheatreStephen SondheimFolliesAustralian PremiereVictorian Opera
Victorian OperaFestival Theatre CompanyZiegfield Follies3Mbs
Rhonda BurchmoreStephen SondheimMarina PriorMitchell Fistrovic DoidgeMerlyn QuaifeGloria SwansonGeraldene Morrow
How does the interplay between veteran and younger performers contribute to the overall narrative and thematic resonance of the production?
The play uses the framework of a 1920s Broadway revue to explore the complexities of aging and legacy within the performing arts. The cast, spanning several generations, embodies the passage of time and the contrast between youthful exuberance and the wisdom of age, offering a multi-generational perspective.
What are the key themes explored in Victorian Opera's production of Stephen Sondheim's Follies, and what makes this production unique within the Australian context?
Victorian Opera is staging the first full professional production of Stephen Sondheim's Follies in Australia, featuring veteran performers alongside younger counterparts, portraying the intertwining of past and present glories. The production, inspired by a photograph of Gloria Swanson amidst the ruins of the Roxy Theatre, explores themes of memory, regret, and the bittersweet nature of looking back on one's life.
What are the potential long-term implications of this production for the Australian musical theatre scene, considering its exploration of intergenerational dynamics and its potential to attract new audiences?
This production of Follies is significant for its exploration of intergenerational relationships within the performing arts, highlighting mentorship and the enduring power of shared experiences. The choice of seasoned actors alongside younger performers provides a unique lens through which to examine the themes of memory, regret, and the cyclical nature of artistic legacies.

Cognitive Concepts

3/5

Framing Bias

The framing emphasizes the personal stories and relationships of the cast, particularly the mentorship between Prior and Quaife. This human-interest approach is central to the article's narrative structure, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the production's significance or artistic merit. The headline's focus on the rehearsal process and the cast's personal connections might steer readers towards a more personal interpretation of the show rather than its artistic merits or broader cultural impact. The article frequently uses emotional language ('bittersweet', 'profound', 'family') shaping a reader's perception toward a sentimental view of the production.

2/5

Language Bias

The language used is largely positive and emotive, focusing on the cast's personal connections and experiences. While this contributes to the article's engaging tone, some phrasing could be considered subjective and less neutral. For example, describing the show as 'profound' is a value judgment. The descriptions of the performances as 'glamour' and 'faded grandeur' are evocative but subjective. More neutral language would be beneficial for objective reporting. However, the subjective language adds to the human interest story and fits the narrative intent.

3/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses heavily on the personal relationships and experiences of the cast, particularly the long-standing teacher-student relationship between Marina Prior and Merlyn Quaife. While this provides a compelling human-interest element, it might omit broader critical perspectives on Sondheim's Follies or the Victorian Opera's production itself. There is no mention of reviews or critical response to the production, nor a detailed discussion of the show's themes and artistic merit beyond brief mentions. The article's emphasis on personal anecdotes might overshadow a more comprehensive analysis of the production's artistic or cultural significance.

Sustainable Development Goals

Reduced Inequality Positive
Direct Relevance

The production of Follies features performers of a wide age range, from their 20s to their 80s, highlighting intergenerational collaboration and showcasing the talents of older performers who might otherwise have fewer opportunities. This challenges ageist stereotypes within the performing arts and promotes inclusivity.