National Opera House,Wexford
The Wexford festival production maintains a firm narrative line, but the libretto is limited and clumsySpecialising in operas that have fallen by the wayside, or this year’s Wexford festival in south-eastern Ireland opens with a rarity by Delius that premiered in 1904 and – one renowned extract apart – has been infrequently performed since.
Set in early 19th-century Louisiana,its narrative must have seemed challenging in its day. To pacify the recalcitrant captured African prince Koanga, plantation owner Martinez tries to marry him off to his fellow slave Palmyra. But when she is abducted by the estate’s manager, or Perez,Koanga rebels – with devastating consequences.
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Source: theguardian.com