Comprising a multidisciplinary company of high calibre artists drawn from the professional and local community sectors, Pagliacci at The Everyman was a unique and exciting staging of Leoncavallo’s classic commedia opera.
Featuring outstanding singers, actor-musicians, clowns and circus acts along with a full chorus and orchestra, this boldly ambitious production took place in a contemporary Cork funfair in which a fantastical travelling troupe of clowns and musical performers materialised to enact their play-within-a-play drama.
This production turned The Everyman – street entrance, foyer, hallway and auditorium – into a pulsating and dynamic fairground environment in which audience and artists joyfully co-mingled.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
★★★★★ “magnificently imagined and superbly realised production is one I would love to see again and again” – Declan Townsend, Irish Examiner (click HERE to read full review)
“Even for the uninitiated this is a life affirming, blooming production” – Evening Echo
★★★★★ “An unabashed triumph” – Entertainment.ie
“Exciting new co-production captures great community spirit…brought a real sense of novelty and adventure to the heart of the operatic repertoire” – Michael Dervan, The Irish Times
“a feast for the eyes” – Sunday Independent
WINNER BEST OPERA – Irish Times Theatre Awards 2012
NOMINEE – Best Design Irish Times Theatre Awards 2012
Written by Ruggiero Leoncavallo
Conductor & Co-Director John O’Brien
Co-Director Michael Barker-Caven
Set & Costume Designer Lisa Zagone
Clown & Circus Director Raymond Keane
Lighting Designer Sarah Louise McColgan
Starred Cara O’Sullivan (Nedda); Ronald Samm (Canio); Brendan Collins (Tonio); Simon Morgan (Silvio) and David Burzotta (Beppe).
Actor/Musician Marja Gaynor (Violin); Una Pallister (Violin); Isle De Ziah (Cello); Deirdre Frost (Double Bass); Carolyn Goodwin (Clarinet/ Bass Clarinet/ Soprano Saxophone); Cian Ducrot (Flute/ Piccolo); Conor Pallister (Piano); Catriona Frost (Percussion).
This project was funded by the Arts Council Opera Production Award.