Previewed: The Merry Widow

The Tab chats to director India Furse about DOE’s upcoming production of ‘The Merry Widow’


Why did you decide to put on this production?
The executive committee chose this operetta for a variety of reasons. Primarily, we wanted to produce an opera of popular acclaim that would appeal to our full range of audience members. The operetta is flamboyant and comic and perfectly fits the setting of Castle Great Hall.

Can you summarize the story for us?
Set in the Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris, this operetta tells the tale of the newly widowed Hanna Glawari, and the attempts of various suitors to claim her fortune. Along the way, she encounters a old love interest, the dashing Count Danilo. The audience follows their romance as it becomes entangled in confusion and intrigue.

What is your favourite moment in the show?
My favourite moment of the show has to be the men singing the highly misogynistic but greatly entertain “Who can tell what the hell women want?” which showcases comic opera at its best.

In five words, why should people come and see ‘The Merry Widow’?
Talent, extravagant, entertaining, fast-paced, heart-warming.

Performances:

Durham Castle Great Hall, 8pm

13th, 15th, 16th, 17th (Black Tie)

£10/ £6 (student)/ £5 (DOE, DST, DUMS, Castle)