Memminger Celebration
On Thursday night, May 22nd , the 32nd Spoleto Festival USA opened with bang. Spoleto showcases 17 days of opera, chamber and orchestral concerts, dance, theater and everything in between.
Amistad, the flagship production of opening night, lived up to expectations with composer Anthony Davis’ pared-down opera (the original 1997 production was mammoth) that conveys the story of a group of West Africans captured to become slaves who take over their ship and win a legal victory for their freedom. This production was extremely special as it was the inauguration of the newly renovated Memminger auditorium, which is small and intimate, making the audience feel like part of the production.
After the highly charged performance, guests poured out onto Beaufain Street to celebrate its reopening. Both sides of the street were blocked off by police barricades, making it an official block party. White sofas with dark wood accent tables made up the lounge area, accented by iridescent orange table runners and flowers that made everything pop. Tables were filled with chocolates and delicious pastry treats provided by Charleston Place Hotel, while servers weaved through the crowd offering Champagne and martinis. I was bound to have a sugar rush by the end of the night.
The crowd was an eclectic mix of patrons, performers, and college students mingling and enjoying the nights festivities. Everyone was abuzz about upcoming performances, especially Monkey: Journey to the West. I ran into my friend and Spoleto aficionado Amanda Hollinger, and we talked about what events were on our Spoleto itineraries. We were both excited about seeing The Beast of Taylor Mac and La Cenerentola.
I spotted cast member Raúl Melo, who played the navigator, and we chatted about life as a performer. He told me that the cast pretty much becomes family. They work, eat, sleep, and all have fun together. I tried to get a few words with Amistad conductor Emmanuel Villaume, but he was surrounded by a mob of enthusiastic admirers. I did get a snapshot of him eating a chocolate ball with Amistad cast member Michael Forest (check out the picture in the photo gallery). I think this year’s Spoleto is off to a good start.
Falling in love with opera for the first time at Lakme in 2003. The real bamboo forest, the famous Flower duet, the lush singing and scenery made opera from there on out my favorite part of Spoleto Festival. I always love the Finale picnic. One year, it rained so hard, we wore all plastic bags. And another year, it was so hot and humid, but the show went on and so did the socializing and homemade pimento cheese sandwiches and sparkling champagne and spectacular fireworks.
Amanda Hollinger
May 3, 2008 Amistad cast party hosted by the Charleston Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Opera last night in the wonderfully restored Memminger Auditorium., Enjoyed meeting cast members… think 18 of the 20 members were at the party, this afforded me one on one discussions, including director Sam Helfrich, which shared a glimpse into his “minds eye” for the opera… and performing it as theater in the round. It was truly a wonderful experience. The intimacy of spending an evening with the cast afforded me a glimpse into the performer’s personalities and honest feelings regarding the historical context of the opera…it was truly superb…made the performances exciting and emotional for me! I attended the dress rehearsal Tuesday evening and the opening last night, Tuesday I was busy reading the subtitles for historical accuracy, etc. Last night - kept my sights on the performers and was able to truly enjoy the beautiful music composed by Anthony Davis. Bravo!!!!!
Dorothy G Harrison
