Rugby opera kicks domestic violence into touch

R’OTELLO the rugby opera is a modern take on the operas of Otello, Carmen and Tosca with the recurring theme being the heroine of these operas perished at the hands of their partners and bringing attention to domestic abuse. “Through opera we're giving a voice to victims of this all too common tragedy” says writer, director and founder of Gafa Arts Collective Sani Muliaumaseali'i.

“Through opera we're giving a voice to victims of this all too common tragedy”

Muliaumaseali’i wanted to set these operas in a sport setting to highlight their relevance today, referencing real life tragedies of the sports field such as the ‘blade runner’ Oscar Pistorious and NFL player Ray Rice as material.

The ‘R’ in R’OTELLO stands for Rugby and makes its premieres on the 2nd and 3rd of October 2015 in a Battersea sports hall, Caius House. This original production from the Gafa Arts Collective; who specialise in the layered art experience; offers Opera, film, dance, rugby drills and testimonies. Like the Rugby world cup, the R’Otello team is a global one and boasts husband and wife operatic dream duo, British Baritone, Rodney Earl Clarke and Australian Mezzo Louise Callinan. The starting line also includes American soprano Lori Isley Lynn, Afro - Caribbean tenors Brian Green and Rohan Reckord, Samoans Aivale Cole, Soprano and Eddie Muliaumaseali’i, Bass Baritone and UK tenor Tom Lowe. They are joined by a Volunteer Voices Chorus of professionals and novices and are accompanied by the Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Leigh O’Hara. Carmen has new ‘Buena vista social club’ style arrangements by West End MD Andy Philip.

R’otello is an event that wishes to bring support and awareness to organisations that deal with the victims of domestic abuse. For more information on venue and tickets and how you can support domestic abuse charities please visit www.gafasamoa.com

BUY ROTELLO TICKETS

ROTELLO - The Rugby Opera, presented by the GAFA Arts Collective and Clearpoint. Written and directed by Sani Muliaumaseali’i.

OCT 2 & 3 2015, 7pm

The sports hall, Caius House 2 Holman Rd SW11 3RL:

tickets £17 & £11 (concession) available from www.gafasamoa.com