Written and performed by Mezzo-Soprano Vivienne Powell, and directed by Peter Blackburn, DIVA is a show few could pull off, even if they could write it quite so well.
The curtain rises on fading Australian opera superstar, Louisa McCrae, the pre-eminent Mezzo of her generation. Long retired, she begins to unpack her life from a suitcase labelled ‘Trésors de mon cœur’ – ‘Treasures of my heart.’ First Beethoven, composer of her life’s soundtrack, and first love in many ways, then more beloved relics of a life of music, love, and heartbreak.
She is so completely realised as a character, I scribbled down ‘Is this a true story?’ in my notebook, maybe 15 minutes into the drama.
In her youth, we join her as her talent is first spotted by a kindly Professor, auditions follow, and her star begins its swift ascension. Young and a little naive, she acquires a husband along the way, one who will prove a curse, rather than a blessing. Once in London, however, she acquires a life-long friend, and the bravery to pursue her life and talent without his controlling hand on her shoulder.
“DIVA is a show few could pull off, even if they could write it quite so well.“
It’s wonderful to follow her tale around the great stages of the world, and into the romance that will define her life. Elevating ‘DIVA’ into something more than an excellent dramatic monologue is Powell’s wonderful voice.
Whether with a wistful rendition of Una voce poco fa from Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia/The Barber of Seville, a glorious version of Delibes’ Flower Duet, or a cheeky Wien, du Stadt meiner Träume (Vienna, City of my Dreams) by Rudolf Sieczynski, Powell completes her portrait of her fictional heroine. Each melodic moment gilds this wonderful piece of theatre and makes it shine.
It’s a testament to good writing and clear direction that ‘DIVA’ so easily fits a lifetime into 65 minutes, without feeling remotely rushed. The blend of narration and character acting brings a small but memorable line-up to life around Louisa via clever, unindulgent writing.
Indeed, Powell creates such a vivid world that the additional voiceover elements which creep in as the play approaches its end feel a little out of place. I wonder whether these recorded elements would sit more easily within the tale if they were less ‘clean’ and more lo-fi.
This is a small note on what is otherwise a magnificent piece of musical theatre. Standing ovations seem both likely and well-deserved. Brava, Vivienne Powell, Brava!
Show details
Venue: Venue 20: Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, EH2 2LR (Google Maps)
Date(s): Thu 31 Jul to Sun 24 Aug (24 shows)
Time(s): 4:20pm (65 mins)
Age recommendation: 16+
Price: From £11.0 (concessions available)
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