Norma

Bath Opera Company’s

Production of Vincenzo Bellini’s  “Norma”

Music Director – William Stevens
Design and Stage Direction – Neil Kirkman

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative

on Thursday 20 th, February 2025
at The Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Bath.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment
will be effected by that knowledge.
The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular
the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as
the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at
other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to
greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving
future productions.

I was pleased to be invited to attend such a major production for this well established group. They had chosen a play that seldom gets shown these days and in so chosing such a play had already set high demands and expectations for the group. But would they achieve success?
The play itself was written in 1831 by the Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini and was a success. It went on to achieve a reputation for it’s content of long melodies of the bel canto genre and an expressive style of singing. It also features one of the great all-time soprano arias, “Casta diva” towards the end of the first act. This became associated with Maria Callas who debuted as “Norma” in 1952 at Covent Garden, and is seen by many as one of the best performances of the role.

The stage was excellently set for the first Act. We were in a sacred glade with Druid stone arches at the rear. The glade was indicated by several tall tree trunks at each side of the stage decorated as birch trees. Completing the stone circle towards the front of the stage were some of the best small stones this viewer has seen. They could have been grave headstones but looked as solid as if they had always been there. In the centre was a low altar used for human sacrifices above which was hung a warning alarm gong and maybe a rams head. Sadly this piece of set was a of a poorer quality and not up to the high standard already set when the tabs opened.
The show opened with a human sacrafice on the altar. This was handled with taste and acted well. The whole scene was skillfully played for maxium effect – which it achieved. All of the extras were well engaged in the action on stage.  For the following scene the tabs were drawn whilst the set was adjusted. I personally do not like to be left in semi-darkness not even for a few minutes. The in-house curtains allowed some light to feed through so even a complete black out was not possible. I would have perferred some lighting on the tabs. The backstage crew were very quiet and we later saw that the altar was now the bed for Norma’s children and we were in her quarters. This transition worked very well.

We were fortunate to be able to watch the Surtitles screen and follow the clues shown there. The pace and information were really helpful and just gave enough information that we could follow the singing on stage. For me the pace on the screen was excellent.
At the rear of the stage, behind a gauze, we could just make out the musicians. However this was not a distraction but it made the music feel inclusive to the scenes happening on stage. The musicians there wove their magic from the first note played. Here were very talented people under the control of someone who knew the score very well. There was some beautiful, skillful playing and I congratualte all those artists involved. The music coming from the rear stage seemed to be from a larger group of musicians so good was the sound. Even if we could not fully see
them their impact on the show was excellent and contributed to the support of thesingers and the success of this show.
As you would expect the plot for this opera is complex. I am very grateful for the wonderful detailed programme that the Group have produced giving such useful background not only on the plot but the attributes of the singers involved. This is a time when the Roman invaders have beaten the Druids, who are now left to plan revenge against them. The local Druid leader tells the people to look for the sign of the moon rising which will indicate that his daughter Norma, The High Priestess, will appear to advise them on plans to fight the Romans. Pollione and his colleagueappear and are discussing Pollione’s secret affair with Norma which has produced two children. They are nursed by Clothilde who is a trusted servant and friend to Norma. Pollione has lost interest in Norma now and is having an affair with Adalgisa another priestess of the Druid Temple.
Norma starts to feel guilty about her affair which must remain a secret but is in a difficult position. She does not want the Druids to wage war on the Romans and thuscan protect Pollione and her children. It is during this dilemma that she asks for help from the Goddess of the Moon to make the people more peaceful and sings the wonderful “Casta Diva”. The plot thickens with the involvement of Adalgisa who is planning to leave with Pollione and live in Rome. Hearing the truth from Norma Adalgisa decides to stay in the Temple, not go to Rome and look after Norma’s
children. She will dismiss Pollione and remain as a Preistess. As this is occuring Pollione has a change of heart and decides not to take Adalgisa to Rome and stay with Norma. One of Norma’s last acts is to tell her father about her sins and begs him to take care of the children. Then full of guilt and remorse she joins Pollione on the scrificial fire where they die together.

Norma – played at this performance by Cecilla. Her performance was stunning. I’m sure that Cecilla won’t mind me stayingthat she is a petite lady and really one of the smallest people of stage. But when shesung there was no one else present. I only could look at her. Here was a person with great stage presense. Her rendition of “Casta Diva” was sung with great feeling and passion but also with great care. Very personal to her. Terrific. The last few sceneswere so strong that the energy built to a tangible climax. I hope you enjoyed yourrole as much as the audience liked you.

Pollione – played at this performance by John. What a brilliant contrast to Norma and such a controlled performance. I felt that John had the character nailed. He played the part with arrgogance and seemed to be exactly as you would expect from a winning soldier. The strength of his voice was superb. A very refined performance well acted.

Flavio – played by Alexander. A supportive role to Pollione showing a more understanding invader/ soldier. I think you made the most of the role, showing some compassion, and I really did enjoy the quality of your voice.
Adalgisa – played by Anna.A very good performance of a difficult role. Beautiful, strong voice and a goodpresence. Your last scenes with Norma where so wonderful to watch and listen to. You were a good match together.
Clothilde – played by Meredith. Probably one of the nicest parts to play. You appeared to be normal in a world where others were not. You showed some warmth towards the children and also to Norma herself. Your voice was a great contrast to those sharing the stage.
Oroveso - played by Robert. I did so enjoy this performance. The character kept popping up to move the action along. I liked your clear voice and straight forward performance.

Finally, but not lastly, my congratulations to a really talented and strong chorus ensemble. Polished work on every entry in the running of the play. You were all acting so well and were superbly costumed. I felt you all enriched the setting and the score.

Thank you Bath Opera for the evening’s entertainment and yes, this reviewer thought it was a very successful show indeed!

Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative.

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen.

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