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SCENE IT: Farcical Figaro and Co. delight in THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
- Barbara Loots
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
Barbara Loots
Gioachino Rosini’s light-hearted comic opera (or Opera buffa if you will), THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (Il barbiere di Siviglia) is currently onstage at Theatre on the Bay until 17 August 2025. Its humorous storyline involving tales of love and mistaken identify is amplified with a good dose of characteristic Italian flair.
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE follows the witty barber Figaro as he uses his charm and cunning to unite two young lovers in this comic opera full of infectious energy. The deliciously disorderly fashion with which the range of colourful characters make their way through the tale is a real tonic.
The production strikes the great balance between musical virtuosity and comedic lustre. It practically radiates the joy of the cast in their performance and that draws you in even more – the delight they exude is contagious, and you walk out of the performance feeling lighter and happier for it. We had the privilege of seeing the Red Cast (rotating with the equally talented Blue Cast) onstage, and there was not one weak link in the mix. The cast is brimming with charm and talent, presenting an entertaining feast for the eyes and ears.
Director Sylvaine Strike and musical director Jan Hugo have join forces to bring out the best in the cast for this latest, spirited Cape Town Opera production. The boldness is not only reflected in the comedy and song, but also in the costumes by Allegra Bernacchioni, which add a vivacious elegance that accentuates what one can only describe as gleeful hip action that runs through the show.
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE is one of those amusing operas that allows for a wide range of voices to shine, from soprano straight through to baritone, and also gives the ensemble some moments to shine.
Thando Zwane is perfection as Figaro and when he sings “Largo al factotum” (“Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!”) you can’t help but sit in the audience with a huge smile. He was born for this part, the cheeky playfulness that Figaro calls for seems to come as naturally to him as breathing.
It’s also a treat to see Innocent Masuku (who recently took the world by storm as a finalist in 2024s Britain’s Got Talent) who brings a great emotive tone to his interpretation of Count Almaviva. He has a great onstage connection with Brittany Smith. Smith in turn shows fantastic range, with her portrayal of Rosina being delightfully kooky at times and overall nuanced. Monde Masimini's performance as Don Basilio brings much delight too.
Conroy Scott is sublime in the role of Bartolo, and frankly he could sing the phonebook, and we would be happy. He’s an undeniable Cape Town Opera favourite. As the suspicious, yet easily deceived, Bartolo, he hits his mark again, amplifying the character’s avaricious nature without overplaying it.
Having Jan Hugo onstage and behind the piano is also an inspired move, as he brings the spirit of Rosini to the stage, and engages with the cast in a manner that elevates the spirited tone of this intimate rendition of Rosini’s masterpiece. His musical prose makes you forget that there is no orchestra in this production, a lonely piano exceeding all expectations. Bravo, Maestro!
But the undeniable star of the night was Lusibalwethu Sesanti as Berta. She brought heart and depth to her comedic performance with a phenomenal voice. Showing restraint when needed, she feels to be the lynchpin that holds everything together in perfect equilibrium. As a friend exclaimed when we left the theatre in the highest of spirits, “She was the MVP of the night!”.
I know it is said of almost every opera that it’s the one that could entice non-opera fans to fall in love with the art form… but this one truly is up there as the perfect, playful lure for the yet-to-be-converted opera lovers.
If you can get your hands on the fast-selling tickets, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go see this current staging of THE BARBER OF SEVILLE at Theatre on the Bay before run ends 17 August 2025. Tickets can be booked online through Webtickets. Otherwise you can see this delightful production at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, 12, 14 and 16 October 2025 at Spier. Tickets for the festival shows can be booked through Quicket.