Behind the scenes of "La Traviata" with Stage Director Kristine McIntyre

The Italian Radio Hour

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - The Making of La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. At the eve of opening night of La Traviata at the Pittsburgh Opera, I was able to catch up with Stage Director Kristine McIntyre for an insightful conversation of what all goes into the staging of an opera. her vision for this production and the true story of the character that inspired not only Giuseppe Verdi, but first Alexandre Dumas fils, Marie Duplessis. Marie Duplessis (born Alphonsine Rose Plessis was a French courtesan and mistress to a number of prominent and wealthy men. She was the inspiration for Marguerite Gautier, the main character of the 1848 novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas the younger. Much of what is known about her has been derived from the literary persona and contemporary legends. As recorded in art of the day Marie Duplessis was evidently an extremely attractive young woman, with a petite figure and an enchanting smile. By the time she was 16, she had become aware that prominent men were willing to give her money in exchange for her company in both private and social settings. She became a courtesan and learned to read and write, and to stay abreast of world events so as to be able to converse on these topics with her clients and at social functions. She also added the faux noble "Du" to her name. Marie Duplessis died of tuberculosis at the age of 23 on 3 February 1847, and differently from the opera where Alfonso manages to be by Violetta's side, Alexander Dumas never made it on time to say goodbye to her loved Marie. The opera opens with the auction of all the items at the home of Violetta Valéry (Pay close attention to recognize a familiar face), followed by the very famous "Brindisi (“Libiamo ne'lieti calici”) one of Verdi's the most popular tune from the opera. The performances: Saturday March 16, 19, 22 & 24th at Benedum Center. Tickets available at: https://www.pittsburghopera.org/season/la-traviata USE COUPON CODE: POIMI to get 50% OFF your tickets Antony Walker - Conductor Kristine McIntyre - Stage Director Cast: Vuvu Mpofu - Violetta Valéry Duke Kim - Alfredo Germont Michael Chioldi - Giorgio Germont Julia Swan Laird - Annina Fran Daniel Laucerica - Gastone de Letorières Brandon Bell - Baron Douphol Evan Lazdowski - Marquis d'Obigny Leah Heater - Flora Bervoix

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