Delibes: Lakmé (2011)
Opera Australia's lush, full-length staging of Delibes' masterpiece, celebrating forbidden love, colonial tension, and extraordinary vocal artistry.
Delibes: Lakmé - Movie Information
- Original Title: Delibes: Lakmé
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Roger Hodgman, Cameron Kirkpatrick
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Music
- Runtime: 3h 0m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 2011 (Australia)
- Production Companies: The Australian Opera
- Production Countries: Australia
Delibes: Lakmé - Plot
Starring the exquisite coloratura soprano Emma Matthews as the innocent girl priestess Lakmé, and superb tenor Aldo Di Toro as the love-struck Gerald, the story tackles religion and cross-cultural love against a backdrop of British rule in India in the mid-19th century. French conductor Emmanuel Joel-Hornak brings out the full depth of the lush, dramatic score, with familiar high points being the beautiful renditions of the well-known Flower duet and Bell Song. Dominica Matthews adds her rich voice as Mallika and Stephen Bennett is darkly dominating as Brahmin priest Nilakantha, Lakmé's father, while Roxane Hislop is a consumate Mistress Bentson. Set and costume designs by Mark Thompson fill the stage with rich colour, atmosphere and exoticism, complemented by Nigel Levings' warm lighting. This restudied production, originally conceived by Adam Cook, is skilfully directed by Roger Hodgman.
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Delibes: Lakmé - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roger Hodgman
- Cameron Kirkpatrick
Main Cast
- Emma Matthews
- Aldo Di Toro
- Stephen Bennett
- Dominica Matthews
- Edomond Choo
- Luke Gabbedy
- Roxane Hislop
- Jane Parkin
- Angela Brun
- Benjamin Rasheed
Delibes: Lakmé - FAQs
What is Delibes: Lakmé about?
Delibes: Lakmé follows the forbidden romance between Lakmé, a Hindu priestess, and Gerald, a British officer, set against the tensions of colonial India in the mid-19th century. It explores themes of cross-cultural love, religious conflict, and sacrifice, featuring the celebrated Flower Duet and Bell Song.
Who sings the famous Flower Duet in this production?
The beloved Flower Duet is performed by Emma Matthews as Lakmé and Dominica Matthews as her devoted handmaiden Mallika. Their voices blend beautifully in one of opera's most recognizable and cherished moments, delivered here with warmth and elegance by Opera Australia.
Who are the main cast members in Delibes: Lakmé?
The production stars Emma Matthews as Lakmé and Aldo Di Toro as Gerald. Stephen Bennett plays the imposing Nilakantha, Dominica Matthews portrays Mallika, and Roxane Hislop appears as Mistress Bentson, with further roles filled by Edomond Choo, Luke Gabbedy, Jane Parkin, Angela Brun, and Benjamin Rasheed.
What is the Bell Song in Lakmé?
The Bell Song is one of opera's most demanding coloratura showpieces, sung by Lakmé in Act II as she attempts to identify a British intruder. In this production, Emma Matthews delivers a breathtaking rendition, showcasing her extraordinary vocal agility and range in this iconic aria.
Where can you stream Delibes: Lakmé?
You can watch Delibes: Lakmé on Stingray Classica Amazon Channel as part of a subscription, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video. It's also available for free on Hoopla, making it accessible to a wide range of opera lovers across different platforms.
Who directed this Opera Australia production of Lakmé?
The production was directed by Roger Hodgman and Cameron Kirkpatrick. Originally conceived by Adam Cook, this restudied staging was skilfully helmed by Hodgman, with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson and warm atmospheric lighting by Nigel Levings bringing the colonial Indian setting vividly to life.
How long is the Delibes: Lakmé opera film?
This Opera Australia recording of Lakmé runs for 3 hours, giving audiences the full operatic experience. The runtime reflects the complete three-act structure of Delibes' score, allowing every aria, duet, and dramatic scene to unfold at its natural, unhurried pace.
What are similar operas or films to Delibes: Lakmé?
If you enjoy this production, you might love Don Carlo (1985), Don Giovanni (1991), Carmen (1984), Mozart: Così Fan Tutte (2000), and John Adams: Nixon in China (2011). For vocal recitals, Cecilia & Bryn at Glyndebourne (1999) and Bartoli in Italy (1998) are equally captivating choices.
More About Delibes: Lakmé
Explore further details about this production on the following resources.